The revolution of magnesium batteries?

2003/06/01 Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Kimika
• Energia

They say that magnesium batteries will be lighter, cleaner and, above all, cheaper. They have sought this goal since the 1980s and have presented the first result.

The anode or positive electrode is formed by a magnesium alloy (AZ-31) of 3% aluminum and 1% zinc, while the cathode or negative electrode is of sulphur molybdenum (Mo6S8), capable of capturing and releasing magnesium ions, and the electrolyte is formed by a polymer gel and a chemical material that addresses the magnesium ions.

Researchers from Israel have presented this magnesium battery. It produces between 0.9 and 1.2 volts and is thought to replace the batteries of lead acid and cadmium nickel, since magnesium, in addition to being safe for the environment, is very abundant in the terrestrial surface and therefore economic.