Enhancing rechargeable batteries
Nature Communications
August 10, 2011
A step towards realising a rechargeable magnesium/sulphur battery is demonstrated in Nature Communications this week. This potentially low-cost, high energy density rechargeable battery could be suitable for use in electric vehicles.
Owing to its natural abundance and high capacity for storing energy, magnesium is an ideal rechargeable battery anode material. The surface chemistry of magnesium limits the choice of compatible cathodes and electrolytes. Sulphur cathodes are low-cost and have a high theoretical capacity, but coupling requires a specific type of electrolyte. John Muldoon and colleagues prepare a non-nucleophilic electrolyte from hexamethyldisilazide magnesium chloride and aluminium trichloride, and show its compatibility with a sulphur cathode.
These proof-of-concept results may represent a step towards practical rechargeable magnesium/sulphur rechargeable batteries; however, the authors note that new solvents are needed to reduce the polysulphide sulphur dissolution, which reduces the availability of active sulphur material.
doi: 10.1038/ncomms1435
Research highlights
-
Jul 1
Space health: The path of most resistance could help limit bone loss during spaceflightScientific Reports
-
Jun 30
Evolution: Hawks learn on the fly to swoop up before perchingNature
-
Jun 28
Astronomy: Hydrogen- and helium-rich exoplanets may provide habitable conditions for billions of yearsNature Astronomy
-
Jun 24
Sport science: New wearable sensor to measure neck strain may detect potential concussionScientific Reports
-
Jun 23
Scientific community: Women credited less than men in scientific paper authorshipNature
-
Jun 22
Planetary science: Modelling electrolyte transport in water-rich exoplanetsNature Communications