E-MAGIC is a four-year (2019-2022) FET Proactive project focused on Rechargeable Magnesium Batteries (RMB) and aims at demonstrating a new technological paradigm within the scope of disruptive micro-energy and storage technologies.
The potential to use metallic Mg anodes in RMB brings important advantages in terms of energy density, cost and safety. The RMB constitutes an example of such promising alternative amongst non-Li energy storage systems. Nevertheless, Mg-batteries must be effectively rechargeable to be sustainable and cost-effective. E-MAGIC consortium focuses on developing both Mg-ion and Mg-S technologies to address the potential of RMB. However, the emerging reversible insertion or conversion Mg-based batteries have its own limitations preventing them from having a significant impact.
E-MAGIC's strategies include the use of computational studies to set a basis to identify potential materials. Combining theoretical with experimental approaches E-MAGIC intents to achieve one of its main objectives: Develop a disruptive scientific and technical approach for new generation high energy density and environmentally friendly RMB.
In this context, E-MAGIC claims to provide novel and innovative solutions focusing on:
1. Building up a rational design of materials and structures on the basis of computational approaches at different length scales
2. Explore alternative anode processing based on Mg-alloys, Mg-surface protective films, and structured Mg-metal-surface
3. Development of electrolyte systems with extended practical stable voltage windows
4. Improve the cathode nanostructure, architecture and functionality under RMB electrolyte solutions
5. Promote the evolution of a RMB by simulating its performance integrated into a hybrid micro energy storage system
The technical objectives are supported by the other main objective: Reinforcement of the European magnesium community. Thus, E-MAGIC intends to contribute to reduce the barriers for increased penetration rate of distributed and/or intermittent renewable energy sources since the development of this type of batteries will increase the stability and reduce the cost for hybrid (energy) storage solutions.
