To exceed the demands of current hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles, new battery systems with high energy density are required. Magnesium metal (Mg) is an attractive alternative to current lithium-ion technologies because of the transfer of 2 electrons per magnesium-ion, higher volumetric capacity of magnesium metal compared to lithium metal (3833 mAh/cm3 Mg vs 2061 mAh/cm3 Li), and greater natural abundance. However, magnesium metal plating/stripping is not possible from analogues based on conventional Li-ion electrolytes, such as Mg(ClO4)2 or Mg(PF6)2 in carbonate electrolytes. Rather, electrolytes based on organohaloaluminates and organoborates in tetrahydrofuran have been favored for electrochemical deposition / dissolution. Recently, we have developed magnesium monocarborane dissolved in tetraglyme as a non-corrsive, high-voltage electrolyte towards practical magnesium metal batteries. However, a deep analytical investigation of the anode / electrolyte interface is essential to understand the complex processes for magnesium batteries and develop future magnesium electrolytes. To analyze the mechanism of Mg deposition and dissolution at the anode, we have collaborated with multi-disciplinary experts in the field. For example, we have combined electrochemical transport measurements with X-ray absorption spectroscopy performed at the Advanced Light Source, understood the magnesium solvation with the Molecular Foundry, and determined the morphological aspects of deposition with operando transmission electron microscopy at the Center for Functional Materials. From the combined efforts, molecular intermediates, solid-electrolyte interphases and new design principles have been developed to advance magnesium batteries. Here, we will highlight the technical achievements in the field and the future prospect for magnesium batteries.

The anode / electrolyte interface for magnesium batteries

256th National Meeting (2018)

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