Maximizing Magnesiation Capacity of Nanowire Cluster Oxides by Conductive Macromolecule Pillaring and Multication Intercalation

Magnesium metal batteries (MMBs) have obtained the reputation owing to the high volumetric capacity, low reduction potential, and dendrite-free deposition behavior of the Mg metal anode. However, the bivalent nature of the Mg2+ causes its strong coulombic interaction with the cathode host, which limits the reaction kinetics and reversibility of MMBs, especially based on oxide cathodes. Herein, a synergetic modulation of host pillaring and electrolyte formulation is proposed to activate the layered V2O5 cathode with expanded interlayers via sequential intercalations of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB). The preservation of bundled nanowire texture, copillaring behavior of PEDOT and CTA(+), dual-insertion mode of Mg2+ and MgCl+ at cathode side enable the better charge transfers in both the bulk and interface paths as well as the interaction mitigation effect between Mg-species cations and host lattices. The introduction of CTA(+) as electrolyte additive can also lower the interface resistance and smoothen the Mg anode morphology. These modifications endow the full cells coupled with metallic Mg anode with the maximized reversible capacity (288.7 mAh g(-1)) and superior cyclability (over 500 cycles at 500 mA g(-1)), superior to most already reported Mg-ion shuttle batteries even based on passivation-resistant non-Mg anodes or operated at higher temperatures.

Automated summary

By modulating the cathode structure and electrolyte composition, the researchers were able to improve the performance of magnesium metal batteries, achieving higher reversible capacity and better cycling stability.