Evaluation and realization of safer Mg-S battery: the decisive role of the electrolyte

DOI: 10.1016/j.nanoen.2021.105832

Authors: Lin Sheng (University College London) , Zhangxiang Hao (University College London) , Junrun Feng (University College London) , Wenjia Du (University College London) , Manxi Gong (University College London) , Liqun Kang (University College London) , Paul R. Shearing (University College London) , Dan J. I. Brett (University College London) , Yunhui Huang (Huazhong University of Science and Technology) , Feng Ryan Wang (University College London)
Co-authored by industrial partner: No

Type: Journal Paper
Journal: Nano Energy , VOL 334

State: Published (Approved)
Published: January 2021
Diamond Proposal Number(s): 20643

Abstract: The magnesium–sulfur (Mg-S) battery may be a safer alternative for the lithium-sulfur battery because Mg plating usually proceeds without dendrite formation. Here, we correlate the thermal runaway of Mg-S battery with the associated change of electrolyte vapour pressure via battery testing calorimetery. Over-pressure builds up along with the programmed heating of the cell, and as a result, the thermal runaway is triggered at 20 to 45 K over the electrolyte boiling point, corresponding to 70 to 150 kPa pressure difference between the cell and the environment. The distinct performance-safety-cost behaviours of three ether type of electrolytes stems from the different CH2CH2O chain lengths. Such molecular insight will serve as a fundamental guideline in choosing and designing the desired electrolyte that simultaneously achieves a high explosion limit and good electrochemical performance.

Journal Keywords: magnesium-sulfur battery; electrolyte; safety; vapour pressure; thermal runaway

Diamond Keywords: Batteries; Magnesium-ion

Subject Areas: Chemistry, Energy

Diamond Offline Facilities: Electron Physical Sciences Imaging Centre (ePSIC)
Instruments: E01-JEM ARM 200CF

Added On: 03/02/2021 08:22

Discipline Tags:

Energy Storage Energy Physical Chemistry Energy Materials Chemistry Materials Science

Technical Tags:

Microscopy Electron Microscopy (EM)