An Attempt to Utilize Hard Magnetic BaFe12O19 Phase as a Cathode for Magnesium Batteries

The sluggish Mg2+ kinetics in host materials is a big challenge that hinders realizing practical magnesium batteries. To overcome this problem, designing and testing a new system as a fast Mg2+ insertion cathode is a promising solution. Herein, hexagonal barium ferrite BaFe12O19 as cathode for magnesium ion batteries is presented for the first time. The M ferrite phase BaFe12O19 is synthesized via the co-precipitation method. X-ray diffraction confirms single hexagonal ferrite phase with lattice constants a=b=5.49 angstrom and c=23.8 angstrom. Transmission electron microscopy images reflect high porosity with rough surfaces for the ferrite particles. The magnetic study shows that present hexaferrite has a high value of coercivity (5.1 KOe) and saturation magnetization (54emu/gm). The electrical conductivities are studied as a function of temperature and frequencies. The multi-conduction mechanisms and multilyers structures present in these types of ferrite, make it acceptable for Mg2+ intercalation. The as-prepared BaFe12O19 electrode delivers high initial discharge capacity of 170mAhg(-1). The BaFe12O19 is a promising cathode material for magnesium-ion battery applications.