Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT) developed a rechargeable magnesium metal battery. The discovery was announced by the ICCT under Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), Hyderabad on 3 September 2014.

The rechargeable Magnesium battery was developed by a team led by Vatsala Rani. The battery is a substitute to lead acid battery and has advantages like eco-friendliness and is cost effectiveness as compared to conventional lead acid battery.

About Magnesium battery

• The new battery utilizes eco-friendly materials such as modified natural graphite (cathode), magnesium (anode), and ionic liquid electrolyte. These are both safe and abundantly available.

• The battery replaces highly toxic lead acid batteries with the eco-conscious rechargeable magnesium battery.

• The new battery with natural graphite cathode is safe, cost effective and best applicable for stationary applications like UPS and inverter.

• The Mg-ions from the anode diffuse into the graphite layers of the cathode during discharge and while charging they revert to the anode.

• The ionic liquid used as electrolyte was prepared in-house. The liquid was found to be stable and non-corrosive at room temperature.

• The electrode materials are reusable and also biodegradable.

• The cycle life of the battery is established for 800 to 900 cycles and the shelf life of the battery is estimated to be 2-3 years.

About Lead acid battery

Lead compounds are extremely toxic and its long term exposure to even tiny amounts of these compounds can cause problems like brain and kidney damage, hearing impairment, and learning problems in children. Lead acid battery can be recycled and it is possible to prevent lead emission.