Enhanced electrochemical performance of low-pressure-plasma-treated paper-based fluidic aluminum-air battery

Abstract This study investigates the effect of low-pressure plasma (LPP) processing of a graphite foil as the cathode of a paper-based fluidic Al-air battery. A 10-s plasma treated battery exhibited better discharge performance in terms of the current density, power density, and energy density compared with an untreated battery. Scanning electron microscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and water contact angle measurements were used to investigate the difference in the surface properties of the graphite foil before and after LPP modification. Further, linear sweep voltammetry, constant current discharge measurement, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy analysis were used to demonstrate the enhancement in discharge performance.