Indium Alloy as Anodes for Rechargeable Calcium Ion Batteries at Room Temperature

Abstract

Rechargeable multivalent ion batteries are poised to deliver the necessary breakthroughs in energy density and stability required for extended-range electric vehicles and large-scale grid energy storage. Calcium ion batteries are of interest owing to their high theoretical energy densities, natural abundance, and safety, yet are hindered by calcium’s strong interactions with non-aqueous electrolyte solutions and a general lack of suitable intercalation hosts. In order to realize the high voltage and theoretical capacity of a calcium-ion battery, replacement of the Ca metal anode with new electrode materials that can operate reversibly in conventional electrolyte systems is necessary, beginning with fundamental studies to identify novel intercalation or alloy-type hosts which can provide high-Ca content while avoiding considerable volume expansion and capacity loss. In this work, research into a novel indium anode as a host for Ca2+ ions in conventional electrolytes at room temperature is presented.