Development of sustainable aluminum-air batteries for Quebec’s green economy: valorization of the aluminum sector

PROJECT COST:

505 074 $

PRIMA CONTRIBUTION:

228 954 $

PROJECT DETAILS:

In Quebec, a well-established hydroelectric infrastructure provides a sustainable and low-emission source of electricity that supports the energy-intensive production of aluminum with a reduced carbon footprint. Leveraging this strategic advantage, the present project aims to develop rechargeable aluminum–air batteries—an emerging class of next-generation energy storage systems characterized by high energy density, low weight, and recyclability.

The research will be carried out by teams at Nuvolt, Université Laval, and Université du Québec à Montréal, through a combination of experimental investigations and advanced computational modeling approaches, including molecular modeling, density functional theory (DFT), and molecular dynamics simulations. The objective is to elucidate the fundamental electrochemical mechanisms governing the system, focusing on aluminum ion transport within the electrolyte and electrocatalytic reactions occurring at the electrode–electrolyte interfaces during charge and discharge cycles.

A comprehensive understanding of these mechanisms will directly inform Nuvolt’s battery development strategy. In addition to supporting technological advancement, the project will contribute to the training of highly qualified personnel (two PhD candidates, one postdoctoral researcher, and several undergraduate students) in the field of advanced functional materials. The research is also expected to generate new intellectual property for Nuvolt and pave the way for the development of an aluminum–air battery technology that can be manufactured locally in Quebec, capitalizing on regional aluminum resources and supply chains.