NIT Rourkela develops cost-effective magnesium-based battery technology

Bengaluru: In a bid to make lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles (EVs) affordable and run longer, researchers at the National Institute of Technology Rourkela (NIT Rourkela) have developed a new class of cathode materials using magnesium, an alternative to cobalt-based designs. The team said the innovation addresses challenges associated with the high cost, scarcity and environmental concerns of cobalt which is a key component in conventional batteries.

The rechargeable batteries power devices such as smartphones, laptops and EVs, and predominantly use cobalt-based cathodes. Researchers said cobalt presents several challenges, including its high cost and price volatility, limited availability, with major sources in countries such as Cuba, Madagascar and Papua New Guinea, and ethical concerns associated with its extraction.

"These issues are becoming increasingly critical as the demand for EVs and lithium-ion batteries continues to grow. Projections indicate that by 2050, the global supply of cobalt may not meet the rising demand, underscoring the urgent need to develop alternative materials," NIT Rourkela said in a statement.