In Situ Interfacial Passivation in Aqueous Electrolyte for Mg-Air Batteries with High Anode Utilization and Specific Capacity

Mg-air batteries are a promising new generation of batteries because they can operate in neutral electrolytes that are safe and nontoxic. However, the high corrosion and low utilization of Mg anodes in Mg-air batteries result in low specific capacity and severe self-discharge. In this study, an Mg(OTf)(2)-based aqueous electrolyte is developed, which addresses these issues by reducing the contact of the Mg anode with water molecules from the hydrophobic -CF3 groups and forming an MgF2 protective layer. The assembled Mg-air batteries exhibit specific capacities of up to 1920 mAh g(Mg)(-1) (87.32 % utilization based on the Mg anode). In addition, the resting time of the corresponding Mg-air batteries was 123 times longer than that of Mg-air batteries with pure NaCl electrolytes under the same conditions.

Automated summary

An Mg(OTf)(2)-based aqueous electrolyte is developed to address the issues of high corrosion and low utilization in Mg-air batteries. The electrolyte reduces the contact of the Mg anode with water molecules and forms an MgF2 protective layer. The Mg-air batteries assembled with this electrolyte exhibit high specific capacities and extended resting time compared to batteries with pure NaCl electrolytes.