Building robust anode-electrolyte interfaces for durable and efficient aqueous Al-ion batteries

TY - JOUR

T1 - Building robust anode-electrolyte interfaces for durable and efficient aqueous Al-ion batteries

AU - Chen, Guode

AU - Li, Dongkun

AU - Zhang, Zhen

AU - Ma, Dongwei

AU - Tian, Jie

AU - Shi, Zhicong

AU - Yuan, Du

AU - Wu, Chuan

AU - Pan, Jia Hong

N1 - Publisher Copyright: © 2026 Elsevier B.V. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies.

PY - 2026/7

Y1 - 2026/7

N2 - Aqueous aluminum-ion batteries (AAIBs) are emerging as promising candidates for large-scale energy storage, offering advantages in resource abundance, high theoretical capacity, and operational safety. This review offers a detailed analysis of the synergistic optimization between anode materials and electrolyte systems, with special focus on the crucial role of the anode-electrolyte interface (AEI) in determining the cycling stability and overall performance of AAIBs. The challenges associated with AEI stability are examined by systematically reviewing recent advancements in AAIB anode materials. Design strategies across different material categories and their interactions with electrolytes are evaluated to improve the electrochemical performance of the AEI. Additionally, we examine the latest electrolyte modification techniques, proposing new optimization pathways for electrolyte composition that can further enhance AEI performance. By comparing Al-based and non-Al anode materials, we highlight their distinct behaviors and discuss potential multidimensional development pathways for both anode materials and AEI. This review provides an in-depth understanding of AAIB energy storage mechanisms and highlights AEI optimization as the essential bridge between fundamental electrochemistry and high-performance devices.

AB - Aqueous aluminum-ion batteries (AAIBs) are emerging as promising candidates for large-scale energy storage, offering advantages in resource abundance, high theoretical capacity, and operational safety. This review offers a detailed analysis of the synergistic optimization between anode materials and electrolyte systems, with special focus on the crucial role of the anode-electrolyte interface (AEI) in determining the cycling stability and overall performance of AAIBs. The challenges associated with AEI stability are examined by systematically reviewing recent advancements in AAIB anode materials. Design strategies across different material categories and their interactions with electrolytes are evaluated to improve the electrochemical performance of the AEI. Additionally, we examine the latest electrolyte modification techniques, proposing new optimization pathways for electrolyte composition that can further enhance AEI performance. By comparing Al-based and non-Al anode materials, we highlight their distinct behaviors and discuss potential multidimensional development pathways for both anode materials and AEI. This review provides an in-depth understanding of AAIB energy storage mechanisms and highlights AEI optimization as the essential bridge between fundamental electrochemistry and high-performance devices.

KW - Al stripping/plating

KW - Aluminum dendrite

KW - Aluminum metal batteries

KW - Anode-electrolyte interfaces

KW - Aqueous aluminum-ion batteries

KW - Solid-electrolyte interface

UR - https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105033760416

U2 - 10.1016/j.cis.2026.103873

DO - 10.1016/j.cis.2026.103873

M3 - Review article

C2 - 41825199

AN - SCOPUS:105033760416

SN - 0001-8686

VL - 353

JO - Advances in Colloid and Interface Science

JF - Advances in Colloid and Interface Science

M1 - 103873

ER -