Gas Diffusion Electrode Improves the Kinetics and Cycle Stability of Rechargeable Aluminum-CO2 Batteries.

Author

• Gustavo A. Diaz, University of New Mexico - Main CampusFollow

Publication Date

Spring 5-16-2026

Abstract

The rechargeable aluminum-carbon dioxide (Al-CO₂) battery is a promising energy storage system, offering electrochemical conversion and utilization of CO₂, while providing high discharge capacity. Aluminum is abundant, low-cost, and safe, with a high theoretical specific energy density of 2980 Ah/kg, making the Al-CO₂ battery systems very attractive in comparison to other metal-CO₂ batteries. Unfortunately, this secondary battery suffers from limited cycle stability and mass transport challenges. In this work, we address these issues through the development of a novel gas diffusion electrode (GDE). Leveraging the high surface area and conductivity of carbon-based materials, this novel GDE exhibited enhanced electron mobility and reduced mass transport resistance. In addition, electrochemical testing demonstrated increase in discharge current density and improvement in cycle stability. To further understand the mechanisms governing the performance of the Al-CO₂ cell, fundamental studies in CO₂ dissolution, diffusion, absorption, and electrochemical conversion were investigated. Finally, the improvement in electrochemical performance achieved in this study led to the development of a techno-economic analysis (TEA) to assess the practical viability of the Al-CO₂ battery systems. These findings provide comprehensive importance of electrode structure, electrolyte composition, and CO₂ utilization in the battery system.

Keywords

Aluminum-CO2 Batteries, Gas Diffusion Electrodes, CO2 Dissolution, CO2 Diffusion, CO2 Absorption, CO2 Electrochemical conversion

Sponsors

National Science Foundation, New Mexico Consortium

Document Type

Dissertation

Language

English

Degree Name

Chemical Engineering

Level of Degree

Doctoral

Department Name

Chemical and Biological Engineering

First Committee Member (Chair)

Shuya Wei

Second Committee Member

Fernando Garzon

Third Committee Member

Sungjin Kim

Fourth Committee Member

Ling Fei

Recommended Citation

Diaz, Gustavo A.. "Gas Diffusion Electrode Improves the Kinetics and Cycle Stability of Rechargeable Aluminum-CO2 Batteries.." (2026). https://digitalrepository.unm.edu/cbe_etds/134