Field of Expertise: Advanced Material Science

The rechargeable magnesium ion battery: An investigation of possible electrolytes
Alexandra Ploner
15:00 - 17:00 Thursday 23 October 2014 Rechbauerstrasse 12, HSII

The rechargeable magnesium battery has the potential of replacing lithium ion batteries in the area of electromobility. In contrast to lithium, the electrochemical deposition and dissolution of magnesium is not plagued by dendrite formation. The high volumetric capacity of 3832 mAh/cm3 (lithium: 2062 mAh/cm3) in conjunction with an optimized electrolyte and a suitable cathode can thus be exploited to built a magnesium battery with an energy density of up to 500 Wh/kg (lithium: up to 300 Wh/kg). Such a battery would make electrically driven vehicles highly attractive. Due to its lower reactivity compared to lithium, magnesium offers higher safety in technical applications. It is much more abundant and also more environmentally benign than lithium.
The development of an electrolyte that permits the reversible electrochemical deposition and dissolution of magnesium at the anode is of central importance. At the same time the oxidative stability of the electrolyte has to be such that it allows the reversible insertion into and extraction of magnesium ions from the cathode material at potentials above 3 volts versus the magnesium electrode.