Design of a Molten Salt Metal-Air Battery with High-Energy Density – Proof of Concept, Modeling, and Recharging

Shahabi, Mahya

Etd

Design of a Molten Salt Metal-Air Battery with High-Energy Density – Proof of Concept, Modeling, and Recharging

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The decarbonization of the shipping industry, among other long-haul transportation, is a significant challenge for eliminating greenhouse emissions. However, a promising solution lies in molten salt magnesium-air batteries, which can offer a high-energy density and cost-effective alternative to lithium-ion batteries. This work investigates a novel molten salt magnesium-air battery using an MgCl2-NaCl-KCl-MgO electrolyte operating at 420-620°C Maximum open-circuit voltage is 1.9 V, which is the highest to date for an Mg-air battery. Experiments and modeling presented here indicate this battery has the potential to deliver 60-90 MWh of energy in a 20-foot shipping container, 15-22 times the energy of containerized lithium-ion batteries, at an upfront cost of about $3-6/kWh. However, the battery's high-temperature operation poses limitations on its scalability, and its round-trip efficiency is lower than that of Li-ion batteries. Future research should focus on the stability of the cathode material and the removal of MgO products from the electrolyte through directional solidification to develop larger-scale cells. Overall, the molten salt magnesium-air battery offers a promising solution for decarbonizing long-haul transportation and reducing greenhouse emissions.

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