Li-ion batteries hold the commanding heights of energy storage today. In a quest to further boost energy density, interest exists in batteries that couple a Mg metal anode and an oxide cathode that can intercalate Mg2+ ions. Any technological hope hinges on developing robust experimental verification of intercalation in the oxide because competing reactions that are not productive for storage often interfere. Such goal requires a combination of tools providing information at different scales. In this talk, I will discuss the most up-to-date insight into the ability of oxides to reversibly intercalate Mg2+ in non-aqueous electrolytes, since the use of Mg metal requires rigorously anhydrous environments. We will not only discuss the evidence supporting intercalation of Mg2+, but also delineate emerging correlations with both the identity of the transition metal and the existence of defects in the oxide structure. Critical to the endeavor is the selection of the most relevant tools to characterize the fundamental chemical and physical phenomena. The discussion will naturally lead us to reveal foundational bottlenecks and immediate questions that must be addressed to make Mg electrochemistry viable for energy storage.

Mg2+ intercalation into transition metal oxides: what do we know and what would we like to know?

Fall 2022 abstracts, posters, and presentations will launch in mid-September.

ACS Fall 2022

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