The Development of a Polyvalent Battery System

70552 Polyvalent battery systems incorporating magnesium or aluminum are expected to have several significant performance advantages (including higher specific energy, energy density, and cycle life) over conventional lead-acid batteries and also be much more environmentally friendly. Such systems also would offer advantages in safety and cost over current lithium-ion battery technology. This project will develop new electrolytes for polyvalent systems and screen them with various cathode materials. The electrolytes will be developed in Phase I by synthesizing new magnesium and aluminum salts. These new salts will be tested for electrochemical stability, conductivity, ability to reversibly deposit magnesium or aluminum electrochemically, and ability to reversibly intercalate/deintercalate from cathode materials. The best materials will be selected and tested in button cells. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The battery cells could be used in high rate applications such as electric and hybrid automobiles, providing a high performance, low cost, safe, and environmentally friendly battery system.