Improvement of Aluminum-Air Battery Performances by the Application of Flax Straw Extract

The effect of a flax straw extract on Al corrosion inhibition in a strong alkaline solution was studied by using electrochemical measurements, weight‐loss analysis, SEM, and FTIR spectroscopy. Flax straw extract added (3 vol %) to the 5 m KOH solution to act as a mixed‐type Al corrosion inhibitor. The electrochemistry of Al in the presence of a flax straw extract in the alkaline solution, the effect of the extract on the Al morphology and surface films formed, and the corrosion inhibition mechanism are discussed. Finally, the Al–air battery discharge capacity recorded from a cell that used the flax straw extract in the alkaline electrolyte is substantially higher than that with only a pure alkaline electrolyte. This improved sustainability of the Al anode is attributed to Al corrosion inhibition and, consequently, to hydrogen evolution suppression. Straw poll: Flax straw extract added to strong alkaline solution acts as a mixed‐type Al corrosion inhibitor. The electrochemistry of Al in alkaline solution and in the presence of a flax straw extract added to the alkaline solution, as well as the effect on the Al morphology, surface films formed, and the corrosion inhibition mechanism are discussed. Al–air cells that use alkaline solutions that contain the flax straw extract show a markedly higher discharge capacity compared with other alkaline electrolytes.