NIT Rourkela develops Magnesium Cathode for Lithium-Ion batteries, reduces cobalt use

Researchers at the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Rourkela have unveiled a new magnesium-based cathode material for lithium-ion batteries, presenting a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to cobalt, officials reported.

The innovation addresses key challenges in traditional lithium-ion batteries, including the high cost, limited availability, and environmental impact of cobalt, a crucial component in conventional designs.

Partha Saha, Associate Professor at NIT Rourkela’s Ceramic Engineering Department, explained that cobalt-based cathodes are predominantly used in powering devices such as smartphones, laptops, and electric vehicles (EVs). However, cobalt presents multiple issues, including its scarcity, price volatility, and the environmental and ethical concerns tied to its mining.

“With the growing demand for electric vehicles and lithium-ion batteries, cobalt supply is projected to fall short by 2050. This highlights the urgent need for alternative materials,” said Saha.

Magnesium, an affordable and abundant element, is found in India’s Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, and Karnataka regions. It is also more environmentally friendly compared to cobalt, making it an ideal replacement in cathode materials.

The research team has demonstrated that the magnesium-based cathode maintains 74.3% of its original capacity after 100 charge-discharge cycles, a significant improvement over traditional cobalt-based cathodes, which often suffer from rapid capacity loss. This new cathode also addresses cationic disorder in nickel sites, which is a common problem in traditional cathodes that results in capacity and voltage degradation.

Saha emphasized the wide-ranging implications of this development, particularly in producing affordable, high-performance batteries for EVs, contributing to India’s renewable energy and sustainability goals. It also strengthens India's position in the global energy market by reducing reliance on imported materials for battery production.