Although lithium-ion batteries currently power our cell phones, laptops and electric vehicles, scientists are on the hunt for new battery chemistries that could offer increased energy, greater stability and longer lifetimes. One potential promising element that could form the basis of new batteries is magnesium.
Magnesium batteries are batteries that utilize magnesium cations as charge carriers and possibly in the anode in electrochemical cells. Both non-rechargeable primary cell and rechargeable secondary cell chemistries have been investigated.
Magnesium, the eighth most abundant element in the Earth's crust, is considered a nontoxic material, and it offers significant benefits for battery technology . It has a high volumetric capacity of 3833 mAh cm − ³ and low reduction potential of −2.4 V vs. SHE [9, 10].
One potential promising element that could form the basis of new batteries is magnesium. Argonne chemist Brian Ingram is dedicated to pursuing magnesium-ion battery research. In his view, magnesium-ion batteries could one day play a major role in powering our future. Q: Why do we need to look beyond lithium-ion batteries?
The alloying mechanisms of elements combined with magnesium from groups 13, 14, 15, alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, and transition metals were detailed. Magnesium-ion batteries (MIBs) are promising candidates for lithium-ion batteries because of their abundance, non-toxicity, and favorable electrochemical properties.
Argonne chemist Brian Ingram weighs in An abundant element could hold the key to high energy batteries. Magnesium could form the basis of new batteries beyond today’s lithium-ion technology. (Image by Shutterstock/tunasalmon.)
Magnesium batteries are batteries that utilize magnesium cations as charge carriers and possibly in the anode in electrochemical cells. Both non-rechargeable primary cell and rechargeable secondary cell chemistries have been investigated. Magnesium primary cell batteries have been commercialised and have found use as reserve and general use batteries. Magnesium secondary cell batteries are an active research topic as a possible replacement or i…