Can Metal-Bromine Batteries Be the Next Big Thing in Energy Storage?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the potential of metal-bromine batteries, specifically exploring the feasibility of Calcium/Bromine and Magnesium/Bromine battery systems as alternatives to existing Zinc/Bromine batteries. Participants examine theoretical energy densities, rechargeability, and practical challenges related to these battery types.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that Calcium/Bromine and Magnesium/Bromine batteries could offer high energy densities based on their enthalpy of formation values compared to Zinc Bromide.
  • Others argue that while the theoretical energy density is straightforward to calculate, the rechargeability of these systems presents significant challenges.
  • One participant highlights the solubility of Calcium Bromide and Magnesium Bromide in various solvents, suggesting potential advantages for rechargeability.
  • Concerns are raised about the safe storage of reactive metals like calcium and magnesium, with some participants noting that while it may be tricky, it could be easier than handling sodium in other battery types.
  • A participant mentions ongoing research into Magnesium-Sulfur batteries and compares the reactivity of aluminum to calcium in the context of battery applications.
  • Another participant notes that IND LLC is exploring solutions for the discussed challenges and mentions the development of both flow and competitive battery types, including a hydrogen-bromine concept from MIT.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of agreement and disagreement regarding the feasibility and challenges of Calcium/Bromine and Magnesium/Bromine batteries. There is no consensus on the practicality of these systems, as various concerns and potential advantages are raised.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include unresolved questions about the safe storage of reactive metals, the specific conditions under which these batteries could operate effectively, and the dependence on the solubility of the bromides in different solvents.

Stanley514
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Currently there exist Zinc/Bromine batteries which could be recharged many times.
What about such pairs as Calcium/Bromine or Magnesium/Bromine?
Could somebody predict their properties such as energy density or rechargeability?
 
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Maximum theoretical energy density is trivial (basic thermodynamics and a molar mass), rechargeability is where the problem is.
 
Maximum theoretical energy density is trivial (basic thermodynamics and a molar mass), rechargeability is where the problem is.
Calcium Bromide enthalpy of formation = 647.9 kJ/mol http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calcium_bromide
Magnesium Bromide enthalpy of formation = 524.3 kJ/mol
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnesium_bromide

In comparison:
Zinc Bromide 328 kJ/mol
Sodium Sulfide 364 Kj/mol

Looks like very good energy density.

Rechargeability:
Calcium Bromide soluble in water (143 g/100 ml (20°C)), alcohol, acetone.
Magnesium Bromide soluble in water (102 g/100 mL (anhydrous)), ethanol: 6.9 g/100 mL, methanol: 21.8 g/100 mL.

Problems?
 
Because of a high reactivity it is not that easy to store metallic calcium (or magnesium) safely and not reacting with whatever is present in the battery.

I am not saying it can't be done, just it will be definitely tricky.
 
Because of a high reactivity it is not that easy to store metallic calcium (or magnesium) safely and not reacting with whatever is present in the battery.
But certainly much easier than metallic Sodium in Sodium-Sulfur batteries or metallic lithium in Lithium-air cells. Currently many researchers work on Magnesium-Sulfur battery. They do not report any problems with metallic Magnesium. There are Aluminum-air fuel cells. Is Aluminum less reactive than Calcium?
I think Bromine based batteries could be used in some stand alone applications such as renewable energy or power plants, where toxicity of Bromine is a lesser issue.
 
Last edited:
IND LLC is working on solving some of the problems you discuss.. It should be possible to make two types of batteries - one is a flow battery like zinc - bromine battery where the bromine is stored externally ; the other one can compete with lithium ion batteries. I also noticed a hydrogen - bromine battery concept from MIT.
Neale
 

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