Recently featured in Science Advances under the title "Next-generation magnesium-ion batteries: The quasi-solid-state approach to multivalent metal ion storage," the new Mg-ion battery has the potential to revolutionize the industry. “It is a game-changing development,” stated Professor Leung.
He stated: “The advanced electrolyte development strategy presented in our research holds potential beyond magnesium-ion batteries, extending to other multivalent metal ion batteries, such as zinc-ion and aluminium-ion batteries.
We designed a quasi-solid-state magnesium-ion battery (QSMB) that confines the hydrogen bond network for true multivalent metal ion storage. The QSMB demonstrates an energy density of 264 W·hour kg −1, nearly five times higher than aqueous Mg-ion batteries and a voltage plateau (2.6 to 2.0 V), outperforming other Mg-ion batteries.
To prevent passivation at the Mg anode, most rechargeable Mg-ion battery studies use nonaqueous liquid electrolytes composed of complex salts and organic solvents (8 – 12). However, the poor conductivity of organic Mg-ion electrolytes restricts their diffusion kinetics and requires high temperature to maintain battery performance (13).
In recent years, Mg-ion batteries have emerged as a potential solution in light of lithium-ion batteries' limitations.
Explore HKU's groundbreaking quasi-solid-state magnesium-ion battery, a game-changer in energy storage. Safe, sustainable, and high-performance, promising a brighter, eco-friendly future. (A) Schematic figure of the battery mechanism: the quasi-solid-state electrolyte enhances battery performance by regulating ion storage.