The development of a rechargeable battery technology using light electropositive metal anodes would bring in a breakthrough in energy density, especially if it involves multivalent charge carriers. While effective electrolytes have been developed for magnesium which has enabled to achieve proof-of-concept for magnesium batteries, the electrodeposition of calcium was thought to be impossible and research restricted to non rechargeable systems. Calcium is an especially attractive alternative as it is the fifth most abundant element on earth crust and its standard reduction potential is only 170 mV above that of lithium, enabling significantly larger cell potential than that achievable with magnesium or aluminium.

The talk will revisit these aspects discussing the feasibility of reversible calcium plating/stripping using conventional alkylcarbonate electrolytes which impacts the prospects of developing a new calcium based rechargeable battery technology.