Abstract: Described herein is an aqueous aluminum ion battery featuring an aluminum or aluminum alloy/composite anode, an aqueous electrolyte, and a manganese oxide, aluminosilicate or polymer-based cathode. The battery operates via an electrochemical reaction that entails an actual transport of aluminum ions between the anode and cathode. The compositions and structures described herein allow the aqueous aluminum ion battery described herein to achieve: (1) improved charge storage capacity; (2) improved gravimetric and/or volumetric energy density; (3) increased rate capability and power density (ability to charge and discharge in shorter times); (4) increased cycle life; (5) increased mechanical strength of the electrode; (6) improved electrochemical stability of the electrodes; (7) increased electrical conductivity of the electrodes, and (8) improved ion diffusion kinetics in the electrodes as well as the electrolyte.

Abstract: Separators and additives (e.g., electrode additives) for use in energy storage devices are disclosed. In certain embodiments, a separator includes inorganic particles. In certain embodiments, an additive includes inorganic particles. The additive may be used in an electrode, such as a cathode or anode in a battery. The inorganic particles (whether included in a separator or used in (e.g., as) an additive, for example for an electrode) may be functional inorganic particles that promote battery performance and/or safety. For example, the functional inorganic particles may act to reduce or eliminate side reactions or mitigate the effects of side reactions during electrochemical cycling of an energy storage device in which they are included (e.g., discharge and/or charge of a battery). As another example, the functional inorganic particles may additionally or alternatively promote ionic conductivity.