Posted on 10/31/2023 5:18:57 AM PDT by Red Badger
A research team led by Professor Dennis Y. C. Leung of the University of Hong Kong (HKU)'s Department of Mechanical Engineering has achieved a major breakthrough in battery technology with the development of a high-performance quasi-solid-state magnesium-ion (Mg-ion) battery. This innovative design offers a sustainable, safe, and high-energy-density alternative to conventional lithium-ion batteries, addressing the limitations of material scarcity and safety concerns.
Recently published in Science Advances under the title "Next-generation magnesium-ion batteries: The quasi-solid-state approach to multivalent metal ion storage," the new Mg-ion battery has the potential to revolutionize the industry. "It is a game-changing development," said Professor Leung.
In recent years, Mg-ion batteries have emerged as a potential solution in light of lithium-ion batteries' limitations. However, the road to developing efficient Mg-ion batteries has been fraught with challenges, including the need to overcome the narrow electrochemical window in aqueous or water-based systems, and the poor ionic conductivity in non-aqueous systems.
Addressing these obstacles, Professor Leung's team developed a water-in-salt Mg-ion battery with an operating voltage above 2 V. Yet, it still lags behind non-aqueous counterparts due to the dominance of proton over Mg-ion storage in the cathode.
"Hydrogen ions, or protons, are smaller and lighter compared to the metal ions. Because of their size, protons can easily get into the battery's cathode structure. However, this creates a problem because protons and Mg ions compete for space, which severely limits how much energy the battery can store and how long it can last," said Sarah Leong, a Ph.D. student in Professor Leung's team and the study's first author.
The tireless efforts of the team finally bore fruit, however, with the introduction of the quasi-solid-state magnesium-ion battery (QSMB), an innovative battery design that uses a polymer-enhanced electrolyte to control the competition between protons and metal ions.
QSMB boasts an impressive voltage plateau at 2.4 V and an energy density of 264 W·h kg–1, surpassing the performance of current Mg-ion batteries and almost matching the performance of Li-ion batteries.
Professor Leung said, "Our quasi-solid-state magnesium-ion battery combines the best of both worlds, offering the high voltage of non-aqueous systems and the safety and cost-effectiveness of aqueous systems. It represents a major step forward in the development of high-performance magnesium-ion batteries."
To put the QSMB to the ultimate test, the research team conducted extensive cycling tests, with astonishing results. Even under extreme conditions of subzero temperatures (–22°C), the QSMB retained an impressive 90% of its capacity after 900 cycles. The battery is also non-flammable and resistant to pressure over 40 atmospheric pressure. This level of durability and performance makes the QSMB a promising candidate for consumer electronics, even in colder climates.
Dr. Wending Pan, a research assistant professor in Professor Leung's team, believes the QSMB technology has the potential to reshape the landscape of energy storage and power our world sustainably.
He said, "The advanced electrolyte development strategy presented in our research holds potential beyond magnesium-ion batteries, extending to other multivalent metal ion batteries, such as zinc-ion and aluminum-ion batteries. We believe that this study will pave the way for the next generation of energy storage solutions that are not only efficient but also environmentally friendly."
More information:
Kee Wah Leong et al, Next-generation magnesium-ion batteries: The quasi-solid-state approach to multivalent metal ion storage, Science Advances (2023).
DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adh1181
Journal information: Science Advances
Provided by The University of Hong Kong
Only ten years away.
I do not think there is much difference!
There was someone who had a magnesium powered lawnmower that was driving across the U.S. The battery depleted and the waste was milk of magnesia!
One of these technologies is going to achieve a breakthrough.
Still not within 30x the energy density of plane old gasoline.
Try again.
Now, if they can just get that 10 minute recharge thingy working...............
There are lots of uses for good batteries outside of electric vehicles.
Off-grid solar storage is one such use.
A point made that is often swept under the carpet is even if you can get a quick charge, that quick charge requires a ton of power at that point in a very short time.
Where is that energy grid and where is that power coming from?
Wishes and unicorn farts are not going to cut the mustard
Still laugh about the mega changing station out west powered by massive diesel generators , or the EV that died in WV and was pushed to coal mine shack by coal miners to plug into shack to charge
“Thaaaanks” lol
Communist China again with the GREAT BREAKTHROUGHS ,LOL
Magnesium batteries were in Popular Science back in the 1970’s. My brother made one for the school science fair based off the article.
In 20 years it will still only be 10 years away.
Again another new “green” win for China. Most commercial magnesium comes from the rock magnesite, and China is responsible for 63% of the global production of magnesite.
This is the second article today boosting “new battery” solutions TOTTALLY designed to serve the “green” mandates/agenda and both would serve China’s role in supplying the resources to provide the “solution”.
Any one saying sustainability for some product you know it is a fraud.
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