A group of Japanese researchers has developed a high-energy-density, magnesium-based rechargeable battery that can successfully replace the now ubiquitous lithium-ion (Li-Ion) batteries. The group includes Yoshiharu Uchimoto and Yuuki Orikasa, of the Graduate School of Human and Environmental Studies, Kyoto University; Hiroshi Kageyama, of the Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University; and Cedric Tassel, of the Hakubi Center, Kyoto University, in collaboration with the Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute (JASRI).
The main components of the battery are magnesium, iron and silicone, all abundant materials, which lowers the cost. As a positive electrode the research team used a polyanion compound, which stabilizes the crystal structure with Si-O bonds, which ensures diffusion of magnesium ions with fine crystal control by electrochemical treatments. The charge and discharge curve of the battery has shown that the capacity of the positive electrode density is twice that of existing Li-ion batteries.
Attachments: japan today
