乾燥空気中でのジメチルスルホン浴を用いたアルミニウム電析

Abstract

Electrodeposition of Al, which requires the use of a nonaqueous bath, is usually performed under an inert atmosphere of argon or nitrogen in a closed system, typically using a glove box, to protect the bath from hydrolysis. These operating conditions reduce productivity and increase Al electrodeposition process costs, thereby hindering industrialization. As described in this report, we demonstrate the electrodeposition of Al in dry air using dimethyl sulfone-AlCl3-based baths. By obviating a closed system, this method can facilitate the industrialization of Al electrodeposition processes. Cyclic voltammetry, X-ray diffraction, and elemental analysis have confirmed Al metal electrodeposition in dry air. Hydrogen evolution was observed during electrodeposition in dry air, revealing that the current efficiency for the Al electrodeposition process was lower in dry air than in argon, although it remained higher than 90%. The poor appearance of the Al coating electrodeposited in dry air was resolved using an additive. Stability of the bath in dry air for over a month was confirmed.