An electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance is used in an investigation of the corrosion of aluminum in electrolytes appropriate for lithium batteries. The electrolytes are solutions of
LiN ( CF 3 SO 2 ) 2 ,
LiC ( CF 3 SO 2 ) 3 ,
LiCF 3 SO 3 ,
LiPF 6 ,
LiBF 4 , and
LiClO 4 , singly or in a limited number of combinations, in propylene carbonate (PC) and polyethylene glycol dimethyl ether. Aluminum that is scratched or abraded in an inert atmosphere (so that a protective surface film does not reform) undergoes significant corrosion in PC containing
LiN ( CF 3 SO 2 ) 2 ,
LiC ( CF 3 SO 2 ) 3 ,
LiCF 3 SO 3 , and
LiClO 4 , but forms a protective film in PC containing