GINER INC — Department of Energy STTR Phase I: C53-18a

Description

An important requirement for widespread application of rechargeable batteries in grid energy storage is the development of lower cost and higher energy density rechargeable batteries. Magnesium Ion Battery (MIB) is promising next-generation energy storage devices for grid because of their low-cost active material (Magnesium, 2$/kg) and high theoretical volumetric energy density of 3200 Wh/L, which is 5-12 times higher than today’s commercial Li-ion batteries (250-670 Wh/L). The commercially used polypropylene (Celgard 2400) separator used in Li-ion batteries is not compatible with MIB electrolytes and salts. MIB commercialization is dependent on the development of a novel chemically compatible separator membrane. In response to this unmet need, Giner Inc. will develop a composite polymer membrane separator to enable low-cost and MIBs with longer cycle life and higher practical energy density. In Phase I, Giner will develop a composite polymer membrane separator for a cost-effective, high-energy density MIB. Giner’s ion-selective composite polymer membrane separator incorporated MIB technology will enable commercialization of high energy density (>500 Wh/L) and low-cost batteries for large-scale energy storage. These batteries are less flammable as opposed to the commercial LIBs due to the use of a lean-electrolyte separator membrane. Additional markets for an MIB includes household power inverters, and consumer portable electronics. The developed Magnesium metal battery technology will have broad commercial impact and public benefit because it addresses two important goals of lower cost and higher safety that currently limit wide-scale adoption of rechargeable batteries in automotive vehicle applications.