Solid-Phase Magnesium Boranyl Electrolytes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional magnesium batteries face challenges with suitable electrolytes, as inorganic magnesium salts form ion-blocking layers and organic magnesium salts are corrosive, while known solid magnesium electrolytes have insufficient magnesium mobility for practical use.
Innovation Solution
A solid-phase magnesium electrolyte using magnesium boron cluster salts with specific formulas, such as MgEy(BnHn) and MgEy[BmH(m+3)], is developed, allowing for high magnesium mobility and compatibility with magnesium electrodes, fabricated by contacting organic boron cluster salts with magnesium salts in the presence of solvents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional inorganic magnesium salts are used as electrolytes, then the battery structure is simple, but they form ion-blocking layers at the magnesium electrode during electrochemical reduction, preventing reversible magnesium deposition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the electrolyte by using organic magnesium salts with specific anions (BF4-, PF6-, CF3SO3-) instead of conventional inorganic salts. This parameter change prevents the formation of ion-blocking layers while maintaining electrolyte functionality, thereby enabling reversible magnesium deposition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite electrolyte systems combining organic magnesium salts with specific co-anions (such as BF4-, PF6-, CF3SO3-) to create a composite material that prevents ion-blocking layer formation. This composite approach leverages the complementary properties of different ionic components to achieve both manufacturability and reliable reversible deposition.
2Adaptability or versatility
If organic magnesium salts such as those derived from Grignard reagents are used as electrolytes, then the electrolyte is versatile with various cathodes, but they are highly corrosive, particularly toward non-noble cathodes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by selecting specific anion types (BF4-, PF6-, CF3SO3-) that have lower corrosiveness compared to traditional Grignard reagent anions. This localized modification of the electrolyte composition maintains cathode compatibility while reducing harmful corrosive effects on non-noble cathodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses organic magnesium salts with labile anions that can be readily exchanged or regenerated. These electrolyte components are designed to be replaceable and less damaging to cathode materials, effectively treating the electrolyte as a consumable that protects the more valuable cathode structure.
3Quantity of substance
If known solid magnesium electrolytes are used, then the battery energy density increases, but they have insufficient magnesium mobility to be practical at desirable operating temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the electrolyte from liquid to solid by using organic magnesium salts with specific anions. This parameter change increases energy density while the unique ionic composition maintains sufficient magnesium mobility through the solid matrix at desirable operating temperatures.
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 solid-phase magnesium electrolyte exhibits higher conductivity and stability, reducing operating temperatures by 60-70% compared to previous solid electrolytes, enabling efficient magnesium ion mobility and energy density in magnesium batteries.
Implementation Method 1
the solid electrolyte exhibits higher conductivity and stability, reducing operating temperatures by 60-70% compared to previous solid electrolytes, enabling efficient magnesium ion mobility
Implementation Method 2
contacting an organic boron cluster salt with a magnesium salt in the presence of a solvent or mixture of solvents; and producing a precipitate that comprises the magnesium boron cluster salt
Data Source
AI summary
A solid-phase electrolyte is provided having a magnesium salt. The salt contains a magnesium cation and a boron cluster anion and can include an ether or other weakly-coordinating molecule in dative interaction with the magnesium cation. A magnesium electrochemical cell is also provided. The magnesium electrochemical cell includes the solid-phase electrolyte, and also includes an anode in ionic communication with the solid-phase electrolyte. The anode, when charged, contains reduced magnesium.