Research Projects

Magnesium-ion batteries (MIBs) have emerged as a promising alternative to traditional lithium-ion batteries, offering benefits such as high energy density, cost-effectiveness, and inherent safety due to magnesium’s non-flammability. However, challenges such as low ionic conductivity, dendrite formation, and limited stability at the interface between the separator, cathode, and anode hinder their widespread use. The project’s purpose is to construct a new coaxial composite separator that overcomes all the stated issues to improve the safety and overall efficiency of a magnesium-ion battery. The guiding assumption of the functional research is that the polyimide (PI) core with zirconium dioxide (ZrO₂) nano fillers and the polyvinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene (PVDF-HFP) shell with boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) contain a core-shell structure that’s electrospun and can remarkably enhance ionic conductivity, thermal conductivity, mechanical properties, and dendrite suppression in MIBs. This composite separator will ensure that the battery has the required electrochemical stability while enhancing ionic transport and suppressing dendrite growth which has a great impact on the safety and cycling stability of the battery cell. The project will focus on the following key scientific objectives: 1. Coaxial separator optimization: Develop and improve the core-shell electrospun separator constructed from the selected polymers and fillers by spinning them, so that the electrospun separator has high ionic conductivity cross linking density, mechanical and dendrite suppressing capabilities. 2. Assessing the compatibility with cathode and anode: Verify the electrochemical compatibility of the separator with the Chevrel MO₆S₈ cathode and magnesium (Mg) metal anode to ensure that separation does not activate side reactions rather, it promotes ionic conduction. 3. Full Cell Performance Evaluation: Fabricate and test full magnesium-ion cells to evaluate the separator’s impact on battery performance, including capacity retention, rate capability, and cycle life. Evaluate the long-term stability of the separator in the battery environment, focusing on safety and performance under extended cycling conditions. Key experiments will include: • Electrospinning of the core-shell separator and optimization of electrospinning parameters. • Electrochemical testing (cyclic voltammetry, charge/discharge cycling) to assess separator performance with the chosen electrolyte of 1 M Magnesium perchlorate (MgClO4) solution in ethylene carbonate (EC)/propylene carbonate (PC) electrolyte, (1:1 by vol.). • Full cell testing to measure energy density, cycling stability, and rate capability. • Impedance spectroscopy and SEM analysis to study the interfacial stability and ionic transport. If successful, this project will lead to the development of an advanced magnesium-ion battery separator that enhances safety, performance, and cycle life, addressing key challenges in the field.