Rechargeable magnesium and calcium metal batteries (RMBs and RCBs) are promising alternatives to lithium-ion batteries because of &gt;1000 times higher crustal abundance and large charge storage capacity of magnesium and calcium. Yet, RMBs and RCBs are still plagued by the sluggish kinetics and parasitic reactions. Recently, we identified a family of methoxyethyl-amine chelants for magnesium and calcium ions that enhance interfacial charge transfer kinetics and cicumvent irreversible electrolyte decomposition through fast solvation shealth reorganization, which is distinct from the solid-electrolyte interface mechanism adopted in lithium-ion batteries. We also showed that the reorganization energy can be tuned by changing structures of the chelant, thus providing a versatile electrolyte design strategy for divalent metal batteries.

Redesigning electrolytes for divalent metal batteries

ACS Spring 2022

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.