Designing gel polymer electrolyte with synergetic properties for rechargeable magnesium batteries

Magnesium (Mg) batteries represent a promising candidate for energy-dense, sustainable and safe energy stor-age. However, the realization of practical Mg batteries remains challenging and advanced material design strategies are imperatively necessary. Herein, a novel magnesium tetrakis(hexafluoroisopropyloxy)borate-based non-corrosive gel polymer electrolyte has been synthesized by an in-situ polymerization. This gel polymer electrolyte exhibits unprecedented electrolytic properties in terms of high ionic conductivity (10 (-3) S cm (-1)), reversible Mg plating/stripping capability (Coulombic efficiency ~& nbsp;99%, 1000 cycles) and low voltage polarization. Simultaneously, the polymeric matrix can prevent dissolution and diffusion of soluble electrode materials. For the first time, the employment of a gel polymer electrolyte to suppress the polysulfide shuttle in Mg - S batteries has been demonstrated. Moreover, it can be extended to other polymer backbones and incorporated with other cathodes for improving battery performance.

Automated summary

This study presents the synthesis of a non-corrosive gel polymer electrolyte based on magnesium tetrakis(hexafluoroisopropyloxy)borate, which demonstrates excellent electrolytic properties. The electrolyte shows high ionic conductivity, reversible Mg plating/stripping capability, and low voltage polarization, while preventing dissolution and diffusion of soluble electrode materials. Additionally, it suppresses the polysulfide shuttle in Mg-S batteries, thus improving battery performance.