Halogen-Free Magnesium Battery Electrolyte Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
The development of magnesium batteries is hindered by the lack of electrolytes that can reversibly plate/stripe magnesium while being compatible with high voltage cathode materials, as most existing electrolytes are corrosive and limited in cathode compatibility, particularly with oxide cathodes.
Innovation Solution
A halogen-free electrolyte composition comprising an organic solvent, a magnesium salt, and a Lewis base additive agent, which facilitates reversible magnesium deposition and dissolution, reducing corrosion and enhancing compatibility with various cathode materials, including oxide cathodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If halogen containing electrolytes (Grignard reagents) are used to achieve reversible Mg deposition, then reversible magnesium plating is improved, but corrosion of electrolyte cell components and current collectors worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes halogen-containing components (Grignard reagents) from the electrolyte system while maintaining reversible magnesium plating capability through alternative non-halogenated electrolyte compositions, thereby eliminating the corrosive effects of halogens on current collectors and cell components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful corrosive nature of halogen-containing electrolytes into a beneficial non-corrosive electrolyte system that maintains the desired reversible magnesium plating performance, transforming a harmful chemical property into a safe and stable alternative
2Reliability
If halogen containing electrolytes are used to achieve reversible Mg deposition, then reversible magnesium plating is improved, but cathode compatibility worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent develops a universal non-halogenated electrolyte system that is compatible with multiple types of cathode materials including Chevrel phase, oxide, and other high voltage cathodes, replacing the halogen-based electrolyte that was limited to specific low voltage cathodes
3Reliability
If Mg(TFSI)2 in THF with strong Lewis acid AlCl3 is used to achieve reversible Mg deposition, then reversible magnesium plating is improved, but decomposition of magnesium anode surface worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the strong Lewis acid AlCl3 from the electrolyte composition, eliminating its harmful reactive effects toward THF and the magnesium anode surface, while maintaining reversible magnesium plating through alternative electrolyte formulations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces alternative components or modifications to the electrolyte system that mediate between the magnesium salt and solvent, providing the necessary ionic conductivity and reversible plating without the harmful effects of strong Lewis acids
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The halogen-free electrolyte achieves stable and efficient magnesium deposition and dissolution, exhibits higher stability with multiple cathodes and current collectors, and demonstrates improved Coulombic efficiency, making it suitable for high voltage magnesium ion batteries and potentially other multivalent ion batteries.
Implementation Method 1
at least one additive agent including a Lewis base, wherein the electrolyte is halogen-free
Data Source
AI summary
An electrochemical cell includes a high voltage cathode configured to operate at 1.5 volts or greater, an anode including Mg0, and an electrolyte including an at least one organic solvent, at least one magnesium salt, and at least one additive agent including a Lewis base, wherein the electrolyte is halogen-free.