Superior Mg-ion Conducting Membranes Based on Textured MgZr4(PO4)6 (MZP) through Low-Temperature Liquid Phase Sintering Techniques

ITN Energy Systems, Inc., along with the University of Maryland (UMD) proposes to develop a low-cost, high-performance Magnesium Ion (Mg-ion) conducting membrane to enable the production and commercialization of all solid state Mg-ion batteries (MgIB) that will be less expensive and more efficient than current state-of-the-art (SoA) Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries, and safer and more reliable than current MgIB designs. SoA MgIB designs use a liquid electrolyte, which causes handling and safety problems, whereas ITNs proposed solid membrane brings greater efficiency and ease of use. Li-ion batteries have an established and growing presence in the consumer electronics, industrial, and automotive markets. MgIB batteries offer a direct replacement of Li-ion batteries in these markets but have the advantage of a higher energy density (more power with less weight) and an increased cycle life. This increased energy content of the MgIB results in a lower cost per kWh of energy storage, and enables greater portability. In addition to performance and cost advantages over SoA Li-ion batteries, solid state MgIB technology will also increase the safety of the battery. Magnesium is also abundant and available to meet the demands of future energy storage needs. ITNs successful development and commercialization of a successful solid-state Magnesium-ion battery enables replacement of Li-ion batteries with lower-cost and higher energy batteries for literally thousands of consumer electronics and transportation applications. Since magnesium is an abundant chemical, these batteries have manufacturing and availability advantages over lithium-based chemistries, as well as providing higher energy density. By developing this membrane technology, the ITN-UMD team also creates a manufacturing and technological advantage for the United States, while creating new pathways toward supplying a solution for the worlds growing portable power needs.