Magnesium Ion Batteries a “Promising Alternative” to Lithium

Researchers at the awrence Berkeley National Laboratory at the US department of energy are looking at magnesium ion batteries as a possible alternative to lithium, according to Oilprice.com. Some drawbacks related to magnesium have slowed development efforts so far, but the researchers say that magnesium ion batteries could have higher energy density and be less prone to overheating than their lithium counterparts.

As quoted in the publication:

The Berkeley Labs scientists believe magnesium is promising alternative because it’s based on what’s known as a “multivalent ion.” Lithium-ion (Li-ion) has a charge of +1, meaning it has only a single electron for an electrical current. Magnesium-ion (Mg-ion) has a charge of +2.

In theory, at least, that means Mg-ions can provide twice as much electrical current as Li-ions when used in the same density. The use of Mg-ion batteries also would be less expensive and safer than Li-ion batteries because magnesium is more plentiful than lithium and is less prone to overheating.

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