Present day rechargeable batteries are not ideally suited for electric vehicle applications. They are either too heavy (lead acid system), lack the needed energy density (nickel cadmium and nickel hydride systems), or are based on expensive materials with safety issues requiring special components that compromise high rate performance (lithium ion system). Early experimentation with magnesium (Mg) anodes and Chevrel-phase molybdenum sulfide (Mo6S8) cathodes, in an electrolytic medium based on a patented complex magnesium aluminum chloride salt, shows promise as the basis of a moderate energy, high rate, low-cost rechargeable battery system. This project will formulate these materials into battery components and build prototype unit cell batteries to confirm that the chemistry can be scaled up to full-size functional and reliable batteries. Phase I will identify initial "best bet" and next generation materials; prepare sufficient quantities for building prototype unit cell batteries; and characterize the materials chemically, physically, and electrochemically using laboratory bench scale experiments. A prototype unit cell battery will be designed and samples of the battery will be built and tested for performance (service, cycle life, high temperature discharge, etc.), reliability (performance after high temperature storage), and safety under normal use and abuse conditions.
Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The new batteries should support the power needs of hybrid electric vehicles and fully electric vehicles. Additional commercial applications in load leveling and uninterruptible power supplies are possible
