High voltage carbon-based cathodes for non-aqueous aluminium-ion batteries

Abstract

Four different forms of carbon: activated carbon (AC) from human hair, AC from hemp fibers, a carbon fullerene extract consisting of C$_{60}$ and C$_{70}$ fullerene (CFEx) and Super-P carbon black were tested and compared as cathodes for non-aqueous aluminium-ion batteries (AIBs). These materials differ in their general structure, porosity and morphology. Fullerenes display a crystalline structure, whereas hemp fibers, Super-P and hair are amorphous in nature. Of all materials, AC obtained from hair recorded the highest specific capacity after 50 cycles at 103 mAh g$^{-1}$ with a Coulombic efficiency of $\sim$90% at a current rate of 50 mA g$^{-1}$. Both hemp fibers and Super-P achieved their highest specific capacities at 56 mAh g$^{-1}$ and 84 mAh g$^{-1}$ respectively. CFEx recorded its highest capacity at 78 mAh g$^{-1}$ and maintained it for 50 cycles. The cells were charged and discharged to 2.45 V and 0.2 V respectively.