Researchers, led by Chang Li at the University of Waterloo, have developed a new electrolyte system for magnesium anodes, which they claim demonstrates a potential alternative to lithium-ion electric vehicle batteries through superior performance.
The team of nine academics suggests halide-free Mg batteries surpass previous batteries in terms of safety, efficiency and stability. The aging effects of energy storage are also apparently mitigated with magnesium, which is claimed would lead to a longer lifespan of the battery.
The researchers claim that rechargeable magnesium batteries are much safer than lithium-ion batteries, as they are classed as non-flammable products.
The electrolyte of the battery includes carborane and boron/aluminium-alkoxy anions which would weakly co-ordinate through the battery. This enhanced the stability of the electrolyte up to 4V, it said.
It was the main issue in the past, as the most conventional electrolytes would decompose with magnesium due to contact-ion pairing. This would lead to the anode surface being less reactive.
Thus, the electrolyte material for lithium-ion batteries was found to not be suitable.
A flaw with many metal anodes such as lithium, sodium and zinc are the formation of dendrites, which the researchers say is much less likely to happen with magnesium.
The researchers claim the cost of synthesis would be lowered when magnesium batteries become more commercially available.
More research will be needed, especially in terms of a cathode which would work well with the electrolyte and anode.
