The Use of Alloy Anodes and Conventional Electrolytes in Magnesium Batteries

Abstract

Magnesium-based batteries are promising for use in future electrified vehicles and electrical power grids due to their high theoretical volumetric energy. However, there exist many challenges in the development of electrode materials, electrolytes and even cell hardware. In this thesis, the use of alloy-based anodes and conventional electrolytes in Mg batteries is described. Mg(bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide)2 salt in acetonitrile electrolytes were found to have utility in Mg-ion batteries; however, this electrolyte could not be used in Mg metal batteries, since Mg plating could not be supported. Alloy-based electrodes were found to have high theoretical volumetric capacities in Mg batteries. Experiments showed that a lead (Pb) anode could be cycled reversibly in a Mg cell and has potential for use as an anode material for future Mg-ion batteries. Finally, new cell hardware was developed to enable future studies of Mg-ion battery materials and electrolytes at elevated temperatures.