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Calcium-based multi-element chemistry for grid-scale electrochemical energy storage
Takanari Ouchi1, Hojong Kim2, Brian L Spatocco1
1Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139-4307, USA.
Nature Communications
|March 23, 2016
Summary
Researchers developed a long-cycle-life calcium-metal rechargeable battery for grid-scale energy storage. Novel electrolytes and alloyed electrodes reduce calcium solubility and operating temperatures, enhancing battery performance.
Area of Science:
- Electrochemistry
- Materials Science
- Energy Storage
Background:
- Calcium is an attractive negative electrode material due to its low cost, abundance, and high cell voltage.
- Challenges include calcium's high melting point, reactivity, and solubility in molten salts, hindering its use in rechargeable batteries.
- Existing battery technologies often rely on limited or expensive materials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate a long-cycle-life calcium-metal-based rechargeable battery suitable for grid-scale energy storage.
- To overcome the historical limitations of calcium in battery applications.
- To explore synergistic effects of multiple chemical mitigation strategies in battery design.
Main Methods:
- Development of a multi-cation binary electrolyte.
- Design of an alloyed negative electrode for calcium metal.
- Investigation of chemical mitigation strategies to suppress calcium solubility and reduce operating temperature.
Main Results:
- Achieved a long-cycle-life calcium-metal-based rechargeable battery.
- Successfully suppressed calcium solubility in the electrolyte.
- Reduced the operating temperature of the battery system.
- Demonstrated a multi-element battery utilizing synergistic effects.
Conclusions:
- Synergistic effects from multiple chemical mitigation strategies unlock calcium-based battery chemistries.
- Relaxing the requirement for a single itinerant ion enables enhanced battery performance.
- This approach offers a promising pathway for developing high-performance, cost-effective grid-scale energy storage solutions.
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