Multi-valent Batteries
None of the commercialized rechargeable battery technologies (Li-ion battery, all-vanadium flow battery, Pb-acid battery, Zn-Br etc.) are adequate to store the massive renewable electricity in the future from the perspective of material availability. Iron (Fe) metal battery is especially suitable for addressing this massive challenge because it is the second most-abundant metal element in earth crust, and it is the most produced metal (3.2 billion ton per year). However, aqueous Fe metal batteries have limited cycle life because of the low coulombic efficiency (CE) of Fe metal anode.
By engineering the electrolyte, we significantly increase the coulombic efficiency of Fe metal anode, which paves the way for developing long life-span Fe metal batteries for renewable electricity storage.
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Fe electrolytes reinforced by Mg ion (FERMI) and Ca ion (FERCI)
Energy density measures how much energy can be packed per volume or mass for an energy storage technology. In the past century, the energy density of rechargeable batteries has increased almost ten-fold. It is this great advancement that enables the digital society. The energy storage technology is also enabling the electrification of our transportation and energy generation. Higher energy density is critical to accelerate this paradigm shift in our energy landscape. The high capacity and low potential of multivalent metals (Zn, Mg, Fe) make them ideal anode materials for rechargeable batteries.
By engineering the electrolyte and electrode material, we designed the first rechargeable magnesium/sulfur battery that can charge and discharge for over one hundred times. This battery chemistry has the potential of tripling the energy density compared to the state-of-the-art rechargeable batteries.
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New electrolyte enables rechargeable Mg/S battery.
The reaction pathway of sulfur in Mg-ion environment.
CuS/Mg battery with twice volumetric energy density than Li-ion batteries.