Toward better electrode/electrolyte interfaces in the ionic-liquid-based rechargeable aluminum batteries

The past decade has witnessed the germination of rechargeable aluminum batteries (RABs) with the colossal potential to enact as a device for the large scale energy storage and conversion. The Majority of investigations are dedicated to the exploration of suitable cathode materials, while less is known about the electrode/electrolyte interfaces that determine the electrochemistry of batteries. In this perspective, we will highlight the significance of electrode/electrolyte interface for RABs, in overall kinetics and capacity retention. Emphasis will be laid on the complicated yet basic understandings of the phenomena at the interfaces, including the dendrite growth, surface Al₂O₃ and solid–electrolyte-interphase (SEI). And we will summarize the reported practice in effort to build better electrode/electrolyte interfaces in RAB. In the end, outlook regarding to the challenges, opportunities and directions is presented.