Toward waterproof magnesium metal anodes by uncovering water-induced passivation and drawing water-tolerant interphases

Toward waterproof magnesium metal anodes by uncovering water-induced passivation and drawing water-tolerant interphases

Nature Communications

10.1038/s41467-024-53796-z

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-53796-z

Yuanjian Li, Xiang Feng, Gaoliang Yang, Wei Ying Lieu, Lin Fu, Chang Zhang, Zhenxiang Xing, Man-Fai Ng, Qianfan Zhang, Wei Liu, Jun Lu, Zhi Wei Seh

30 October 2024

Li, Y., Feng, X., Yang, G., Lieu, W. Y., Fu, L., Zhang, C., Xing, Z., Ng, M.-F., Zhang, Q., Liu, W., Lu, J., & Seh, Z. W. (2024). Toward waterproof magnesium metal anodes by uncovering water-induced passivation and drawing water-tolerant interphases. Nature Communications, 15(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-53796-z

Magnesium (Mg) metal is a promising anode candidate for high-energy and cost-effective multivalent metal batteries, but suffers from severe surface passivation in conventional electrolytes, especially aqueous solutions. Here, we uncover that MgH2, in addition to the well-known MgO and Mg(OH)2, can be formed during the passivation of Mg by water. The formation mechanism and spatial distribution of MgH2, and its detrimental effect on interfacial dynamics and stability of Mg anode are revealed by comprehensive experimental and theoretical investigations. Furthermore, a graphite-based hydrophobic and Mg2+-permeable water-tolerant interphase is drawn using a pencil on the surface of Mg anodes, allowing them to cycle stably in symmetric (> 900 h) and full cells (> 500 cycles) even after contact with water. The mechanistic understanding of MgH2-involved Mg passivation and the design of pencil-drawn waterproof Mg anodes may inspire the further development of Mg metal batteries with high water resistance.

Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)

This research / project is supported by the National Research Foundation, Singapore - National Research Foundation Investigatorship
Grant Reference no. : NRF-NRFI09-0002

This research / project is supported by the Agency for Science, Technology and Research - Manufacturing, Trade, and Connectivity Programmatic Fund
Grant Reference no. : M23L9b0052

This research / project is supported by the Agency for Science, Technology and Research - Central Research Fund
Grant Reference no. :

https://oar.a-star.edu.sg/communities-collections/articles/21882

2041-1723

Institute of Materials Research & Engineering

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-53796-z