Synthesis,Crystal Structure,and Electrochemical Properties of a Simple Magnesium Electrolyte for Magnesium/Sulfur Batteries

Most simple magnesium salts tend to passivate the Mg metal surface too quickly to function as electrolytes for Mg batteries. In the present work, an electroactive salt [Mg(THF)₆][AlCl₄]₂ was synthesized and structurally characterized. The Mg electrolyte based on this simple mononuclear salt showed a high Mg cycling efficiency, good anodic stability (2.5 V vs. Mg), and high ionic conductivity (8.5 mS cm⁻¹). Magnesium/sulfur cells employing the as‐prepared electrolyte exhibited good cycling performance over 20 cycles in the range of 0.3–2.6 V, thus indicating an electrochemically reversible conversion of S to MgS without severe passivation of the Mg metal electrode surface.     

Synthesis,Crystal Structure,and Electrochemical Properties of a Simple Magnesium Electrolyte for Magnesium/Sulfur Batteries

Most simple magnesium salts tend to passivate the Mg metal surface too quickly to function as electrolytes for Mg batteries. In the present work, an electroactive salt [Mg(THF)₆][AlCl₄]₂ was synthesized and structurally characterized. The Mg electrolyte based on this simple mononuclear salt showed a high Mg cycling efficiency, good anodic stability (2.5 V vs. Mg), and high ionic conductivity (8.5 mS cm^?1). Magnesium/sulfur cells employing the as‐prepared electrolyte exhibited good cycling performance over 20 cycles in the range of 0.3–2.6 V, thus indicating an electrochemically reversible conversion of S to MgS without severe passivation of the Mg metal electrode surface.     

Magnesocene‐Based Electrolytes: A New Class of Electrolytes for Magnesium Batteries

Unlike ferrocene, bis(η⁵‐cyclopentadienyl)magnesium (magnesocene, MgCp₂) is slightly dissociated in solvents, such as ethers, resulting in electrolyte solutions with low conductivity. MgCp₂/tetrahydrofuran solutions make possible reversible magnesium plating and stripping with low over‐potentials for many cycles. The Mg deposits appear with a cauliflower‐like morphology. IR and NMR spectroscopy confirm that the electrolyte is stable and not decomposed during prolonged cycling. The anodic stability limit is in the range of 1.5 V (at platinum) and 1.8 V versus Mg/Mg²⁺ (at stainless steel), which may be sufficient for low‐voltage cathode materials. MgCp₂ is a first example of a completely new class of halide‐free electrolytes, which may open up a new research direction for future magnesium metal and magnesium‐ion batteries.     

High-entropy Electrolyte Enables High Reversibility and Long Lifespan for Magnesium Metal Anodes

The stable cycling of Mg-metal anodes is limited by several problems, including sluggish electrochemical kinetics and passivation at the Mg surface. In this study, we present a high-entropy electrolyte composed of lithium triflate (LiOTf) and trimethyl phosphate (TMP) co-added to magnesium bis(trifluoromethane sulfonyl)imide (Mg(TFSI)₂/1,2-dimethoxyethane (DME) to significantly improve the electrochemical performance of Mg-metal anodes. The as-formed high-entropy Mg²⁺-2DME-OTf⁻-Li⁺-DME-TMP solvation structure effectively reduced the Mg²⁺-DME interaction in comparison with that observed in traditional Mg(TFSI)₂/DME electrolytes, thereby preventing the formation of insulating components on the Mg-metal anode and promoting its electrochemical kinetics and cycling stability. Comprehensive characterization revealed that the high-entropy solvation structure brought OTf⁻ and TMP to the surface of the Mg-metal anode and promoted the formation of a Mg₃(PO₄)₂-rich interfacial layer, which is beneficial for enhancing Mg²⁺ conductivity. Consequently, the Mg-metal anode achieved excellent reversibility with a high Coulombic efficiency of 98 % and low voltage hysteresis. This study provides new insights into the design of electrolytes for Mg-metal batteries.     

吡唑基镁卤化物/四氢呋喃可充镁电池电解液

将不同配比的吡唑与格氏试剂反应制得的吡唑基镁卤化物/四氢呋喃（THF）溶液用作可充镁电池电解液,采用循环伏安和恒电流充放电测试研究了该电解液的镁沉积-溶出性能和氧化分解电位;并通过X射线衍射（XRD）和扫描电镜（SEM）对沉积物的组分和形貌进行了分析. 结果表明,吡唑上的取代基、吡唑与格氏试剂的反应配比对电解液的电化学性能都有影响. 1 mol·L^-1 1-甲基吡唑-PhMgCl（1：1摩尔比）/THF反应配制的电解液在不锈钢（SS）集流体的阳极氧化分解电位达到2.4 V（vs Mg/Mg²⁺）,并具有镁沉积-溶出电位低、循环稳定性高、配制方便的特点,有希望应用于实际的可充镁电池体系中.     

Electrochemical‐Conditioning‐Free and Water‐Resistant Hybrid AlCl3/MgCl2/Mg(TFSI)2 Electrolytes for Rechargeable Magnesium Batteries

Rechargeable magnesium batteries are a promising alternative to Li‐based energy storage because of their abundant and inexpensive components. The high sensitivity and reactivity of the organic Mg²⁺ electrolyte makes their development challenging. Herein, we develop a new hybrid electrolyte, based on three simple inorganic salts of MgCl₂, AlCl₃, and Mg(TFSI)₂. The electrolyte exhibits unprecedented electrochemical performance for reversible deposition and stripping of Mg, with Coulombic efficiency up to 97 %, overpotential down to 0.10 V, good stability especially for aluminum and stainless‐steel current collectors. It maintained its activity even after introducing 2000 ppm water and it could be prepared from impure chemicals. A full cell with the hybrid electrolyte and Mg foil as anode, Mo₆S₈ as cathode gave a specific capacity of 98 mAh g^?1 and maintained 94 % capacity after 100 cycles at a rate of 0.20 C, indicating the good compatibility of the hybrid electrolyte.     

Magnesium ion conducting, room temperature molten electrolytes

Room temperature, magnesium ion conducting binary molten electrolyte consisting of acetamide and magnesium perchlorate has been prepared and characterized. The molten liquid is very stable and shows high ionic conductivity, of the order of several mS cm⁻¹ at 25 °C with other favourable physicochemical properties. Vibrational spectroscopic studies reveal that the free ion concentration is higher than that of ion pairs and aggregates in the melt. The electrochemical reversibility of magnesium deposition and dissolution is demonstrated using voltammetry and impedance studies. Preliminary studies on rechargeable batteries assembled using γ-MnO₂ and Mg metal as the electrodes together with the molten electrolyte show high discharge capacity.     

集流体对可充镁电池电解液电化学性能的影响

系统研究了铂、镍、不锈钢(SS)、铜、铝五种金属集流体和碳纤维、石墨箔、碳布三种碳纸集流体对“一代” (Mg(AlCl₂BuEt)₂/THF)、“二代” ((PhMgCl)₂-AlCl₃/THF)可充镁电池电解液阳极氧化分解电位和镁沉积-溶出性能的影响。金属镍、不锈钢、铜、铝作为可充镁电池正极的集流体时, 充电至一定电压时自身均会发生腐蚀。其中, 镍和不锈钢可用作充电电压在2.1V(vs Mg/Mg²⁺)以下正极材料的集流体; 铜可用作充电电压在1.8V(vs Mg/Mg²⁺)以下正极材料的集流体。碳集流体比金属集流体具有更高的稳定性, 其中, 碳布作为集流体, 适用于充电电压在2.25V(vs. Mg)(对“一代”电解液)和2.95V(vs Mg/Mg²⁺)(对“二代”电解液)以下的正极材料。     

苯硫酚盐基溶液的可充镁电池电解液

将4-甲基苯硫酚、4-异丙基苯硫酚和4-甲氧基苯硫酚(RSH)分别与格氏试剂C₂H₅MgCl/THF(四氢呋喃)反应制得的苯硫酚氯化镁(RSMgCl)(分别标记为MBMC、IPBMC和MOBMC)/THF和进一步与Lewis 酸AlCl₃反应制得的(RSMgCl)_n-AlCl₃/THF(n=1,1.5,2)苯硫酚盐基溶液用作可充镁电池电解液,采用循环伏安和恒电流充放电测试研究了电解液的镁沉积-溶出性能和氧化分解电位. 结果表明,苯硫酚上的基团种类和RSMgCl与AlCl₃的比例对其电化学性能有影响. 其中,0.5 mol·L^-1(IPBMC)_1.5-AlCl₃/THF 溶液具有最佳的电化学性能,其氧化分解电位适宜(2.4 V(vs Mg/Mg²⁺)),镁沉积-溶出循环效率稳定,过电位低,电导率较高(2.48 mS·cm^-1),与正极材料Mo₆S₈兼容性良好,且具有一定的空气稳定性,配制方便,有希望应用于实际的可充镁电池体系中.     

Unraveling the Solvent Effect on Solid-Electrolyte Interphase Formation for Sodium Metal Batteries

Ether-based electrolytes are considered as an ideal electrolyte system for sodium metal batteries (SMBs) due to their superior compatibility with the sodium metal anode (SMA). However, the selection principle of ether solvents and the impact on solid electrolyte interphase formation are still unclear. Herein, we systematically compare the chain ether-based electrolyte and understand the relationship between the solvation structure and the interphasial properties. The linear ether solvent molecules with different terminal group lengths demonstrate remarkably distinct solvation effects, thus leading to different electrochemical performance as well as deposition morphologies for SMBs. Computational calculations and comprehensive characterizations indicate that the terminal group length significantly regulates the electrolyte solvation structure and consequently influences the interfacial reaction mechanism of electrolytes on SMA. Cryogenic electron microscopy clearly reveals the difference in solid electrolyte interphase in various ether-based electrolytes. As a result, the 1,2-diethoxyethane-based electrolyte enables a high Coulombic efficiency of 99.9 %, which also realizes the stable cycling of Na||Na₃V₂(PO₄)₃ full cell with a mass loading of ≈9 mg cm⁻² over 500 cycles.     

Interfacial Engineering of Magnesiophilic Coordination Layer Stabilizes Mg Metal Anode

Rechargeable magnesium batteries (RMBs) are seriously plagued by the direct exposure of the Mg anode to the electrolyte components, leading to spontaneous and electrochemical side reactions and interfacial passivation. Herein, a benign coordination layer is constructed at the Mg/electrolyte interface where aniline with a strong magnesiophilic amine group and high stability to Mg is chosen as representative, which has higher adsorption energy than DME (1,2-dimethoxyethane) and trace water. This Mg coordination environment mitigates side reactions, forming a non-passivating interface consisting of aniline and much fewer by-products after several cycles. Therefore, the Mg symmetrical cell operates with a low overpotential and uniform Mg⁰ deposition. This interfacial coordination can also be adopted for Mg anode protection in various electrolyte cases of Mg(TFSI)₂ electrolyte systems.     

Reversible S0/MgSx Redox Chemistry in a MgTFSI2/MgCl2/DME Electrolyte for Rechargeable Mg/S Batteries

The redox chemistry of magnesium and its application in rechargeable Mg batteries has received increasing attention owing to the unique benefits of Mg metal electrodes, namely high reversibility without dendrite formation, low reduction potentials, and high specific capacities. The Mg/S couple is of particular interest owing to its high energy density and low cost. Previous reports have confirmed the feasibility of a rechargeable Mg/S battery; however, only limited cycling stability was achieved, and the complicated procedure for the preparation of the electrolytes has significantly compromised the benefits of Mg/S chemistry and hindered the development of Mg/S batteries. Herein, we report the development of the first rechargeable Mg/S battery with a MgTFSI₂/MgCl₂/DME electrolyte (DME=1,2‐dimethoxyethane, TFSI=bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide) and realize the best cycling stability among all reported Mg/S batteries by suppressing polysulfide dissolution. Mechanistic studies show that the battery works via S⁰/MgS_x redox processes and that the large voltage hysteresis is mainly due to the Mg anode overpotential.     

Electrochemical cycling of Mg in Mg[TFSI]2/tetraglyme electrolytes

The electrochemical reversibility of magnesium was observed in an electrolyte consisting of 0.5 M Mg[TFSI]₂ in tetraglyme in the presence of a small amount of Mg[BH₄]₂. The cyclic efficiency of the cathodic/anodic process was found to increase initially with [BH₄]⁻ then plateau at about 75% beyond 6 mM in these experiments. This concentration is in the region of that indicated by Karl Fischer analysis of the electrolyte as required of [BH₄]⁻ as a dehydrating agent. Cyclic voltammetry showed the reduction onset potential at approximately − 0.35 V vs. Mg and subsequent oxidation around 0 V vs. Mg. Stable cyclic efficiency of approximately 75% over 500 cycles is demonstrated on a platinum substrate. Mg cycling on magnesium, copper and aluminium substrates all show stable cycling over 500 cycles with cyclic efficiency > 73%.     

Synthesis,Characterization, and Application of Two Al(ORF)3 Lewis Superacids

We report herein the synthesis and full characterization of the donor‐free Lewis superacids Al(OR^F)₃ with OR^F=OC(CF₃)₃ ( 1 ) and OC(C₅F₁₀)C₆F₅ ( 2 ), the stabilization of 1 as adducts with the very weak Lewis bases PhF, 1,2‐F₂C₆H₄, and SO₂, as well as the internal C? F activation pathway of 1 leading to Al₂(F)(OR^F)₅ ( 4 ) and trimeric [FAl(OR^F)₂]₃ ( 5 , OR^F=OC(CF₃)₃). Insights have been gained from NMR studies, single‐crystal structure determinations, and DFT calculations. The usefulness of these Lewis acids for halide abstractions has been demonstrated by reactions with trityl chloride (NMR; crystal structures). The trityl salts allow the introduction of new, heteroleptic weakly coordinating [Cl‐Al(OR^F)₃]^? anions, for example, by hydride or alkyl abstraction reactions.     

Magnesium hexakis(methanol)-dinitrate complex electrolyte for use in rechargeable magnesium batteries

Functional compatible electrolyte with Mg²⁺ intercalation cathodes represents one of the largest obstacles in the development of practical Mg batteries MBs. In current work, we report for the first time magnesium hexakis(methanol)-dinitrate complex (MHMD) electrolyte product reaction of 2,2-dimethoxypropane with magnesium nitrate hexahydrate via ‘Solvent-in-Salt’ method. 2,2-Dimethoxypropane as a water scavenger can capture reducible molecules like H₂O and dehydrate Mg(NO₃)₂.6H₂O to form magnesium hexakis(methanol)-dinitrate complex. Meanwhile, Mg cloud bonds will become weak—something which frees up the mobility of Mg²⁺. This electrolyte exhibits high ionic conductivity with low activation energy ~ 0.18 eV. The general aim of the investigation was to demonstrate a potential application of MHMD electrolyte in Mg-ion cell. Mg cells were analyzed with the use of cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charging/discharging tests, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. A comparative study between different cathodes like V₂O₅, GeO₂, TiO₂, and S using MHMD electrolyte was performed. The S cathode has an initial discharge capacity of 370 mAh g^?1 and retained a reversible capacity at 60 mAh g^?1 after 20 cycles exhibiting better electrochemical performances than those of V₂O₅, GeO₂, and TiO₂ cathodes. This work opens up a new pathway to explore new electrolytic materials for MBs with high performance.     

An Efficient Halogen‐Free Electrolyte for Use in Rechargeable Magnesium Batteries

Unlocking the full potential of rechargeable magnesium batteries has been partially hindered by the reliance on chloride‐based complex systems. Despite the high anodic stability of these electrolytes, they are corrosive toward metallic battery components, which reduce their practical electrochemical window. Following on our new design concept involving boron cluster anions, monocarborane CB₁₁H₁₂^? produced the first halogen‐free, simple‐type Mg salt that is compatible with Mg metal and displays an oxidative stability surpassing that of ether solvents. Owing to its inertness and non‐corrosive nature, the Mg(CB₁₁H₁₂)₂/tetraglyme (MMC/G4) electrolyte system permits standardized methods of high‐voltage cathode testing that uses a typical coin cell. This achievement is a turning point in the research and development of Mg electrolytes that has deep implications on realizing practical rechargeable Mg batteries.     

Insights into Anion-Solvent Interactions to Boost Stable Operation of Ether-Based Electrolytes in Pure-SiOx||LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 Full Cells

Ether solvents with superior reductive stability promise excellent interphasial stability with high-capacity anodes while the limited oxidative resistance hinders their high-voltage operation. Extending the intrinsic electrochemical stability of ether-based electrolytes to construct stable-cycling high-energy-density lithium-ion batteries is challenging but rewarding. Herein, the anion-solvent interactions were concerned as the key point to optimize the anodic stability of the ether-based electrolytes and an optimized interphase was realized on both pure-SiO_x anodes and LiNi_0.8Mn_0.1Co_0.1O₂ cathodes. Specifically, the small-anion-size LiNO₃ and tetrahydrofuran with high dipole moment to dielectric constant ratio realized strengthened anion-solvent interactions, which enhance the oxidative stability of the electrolyte. The designed ether-based electrolyte enabled a stable cycling performance over 500 cycles in pure-SiO_x||LiNi_0.8Mn_0.1Co_0.1O₂ full cell, demonstrating its superior practical prospects. This work provides new insight into the design of new electrolytes for emerging high-energy density lithium-ion batteries through the regulation of interactions between species in electrolytes.     

Lewis Base Assisted Magnesium Complexes Incorporating Pyrrolyl and Ketiminate Ligands: Synthesis,Structural Diversity and Characterization

A series of four, five and six‐coordinated magnesium derivatives integrating with substituted pyrrole and ketimine ligands are conveniently synthesized. Reaction of two equiv of 2‐dimethylaminomethyl pyrrole with Mg[N(SiMe₃)₂]₂ in THF affords the monomeric magnesium complex Mg[C₄H₃N(2‐CH₂NMe₂)]₂ (THF)₂ ( 1 ) in high yield along with elimination of two equiv of HN(SiMe₃)₂. Similarly, the reaction between two equiv of 2‐t‐butylaminomethyl pyrrole and Mg[N(SiMe₃)₂]₂ in THF renders the magnesium derivative, Mg[C₄H₃N(2‐CH₂NH^tBu)]₂(THF)2₂( 2 ) in good yield. Interestingly, reaction between two equiv of 2‐t‐butylaminomethyl pyrrole and Mg[N(SiMe₃)₂]₂ in toluene, instead of THF, generates Mg[C₄H₃N(2‐CH2NH^tBu)]₂ ( 3 ), also in high yield. Furthermore, the assembly of two equiv of ketimine ligand, HOCMeCHCMeNAr (Ar = C₆H₃‐2,6‐ⁱPr₂) and Mg[N(SiMe₃)₂]₂, yields five‐coordinated magnesium derivatives, Mg(OCMeCHCMeNAr)₂(THF) ( 4 ) and Mg(OCMeCHCMeNAr)₂(OEt₂) ( 5 ), using THF and diethyl ether, respectively. All the aforementioned derivatives are characterized by ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy as well as 1 , 3 , 4 and 5 are subjected to X‐ray diffraction analysis in solid state.     

Regulated Ion/Electron-Conducting Interphase Enables Stable Zinc-Metal Anodes for Aqueous Zinc-Ions Batteries

Metallic Zinc (Zn) is considered as a remarkably promising anode for aqueous Zn-ion batteries due to its high volumetric capacity and low redox potential. Unfortunately, dendritic growth and severe side reactions destabilizes the electrode/electrolyte interface, and ultimately reduce the electrochemical performance. Here, an artificial protective layer (APL) with a regulated ion and electron-conducting interphase is constructed on the Zn-metal anode to provide excellent interfacial stability in high-rate cycling. The superior ionic and moderate electronic conductivity of the APL derives from the co-embedding of MXene and Zn(CF₃SO₃)₂ salts into the polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel, which enables a synergistic effect of local current density reduction during plating and ion transport acceleration during stripping for Zn anode. Furthermore, the high Young's modulus of the protective layer and dendrite-free deposition morphology during cycling suppresses hydrogen evolution reactions (2.5 mmol h⁻¹ cm⁻²) and passivation. As a result, in symmetrical cell tests, the modified battery presents a stable life of over 2000 cycles at ultra-high current density of 20 mA cm⁻². This research presents a new insight into the formation and regulation of stable electrode-electrolyte interface for the Zn-metal anode.     

Monolithic Phosphate Interphase for Highly Reversible and Stable Zn Metal Anode

Zinc metal battery (ZMB) is promising as the next generation of energy storage system, but challenges relating to dendrites and corrosion of the zinc anode are restricting its practical application. Here, to stabilize Zn anode, we report a controlled electrolytic method for a monolithic solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) via a high dipole moment solvent dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP). The DMMP-based electrolytes can generate a homogeneous and robust phosphate SEI (Zn₃(PO₄)₂ and ZnP₂O₆). Benefiting from the protecting impact of this in situ monolithic SEI, the zinc electrode exhibits long-term cycling of 4700 h and a high Coulombic efficiency 99.89 % in Zn|Zn and Zn|Cu cell, respectively. The full V₂O₅|Zn battery with DMMP-H₂O hybrid electrolyte exhibits a high capacity retention of 82.2 % following 4000 cycles under 5 A g⁻¹. The first success in constructing the monolithic phosphate SEI will open a new avenue in electrolyte design for highly reversible and stable Zn metal anodes.