Fast Mg2 Research Articles

Impact of a Mg2+ emulsion coagulant on tofu's gel characteristics

In the industrial production of tofu, controlling the coagulation rate is crucial. A controlled-release Mg2+-loaded water-in-oil emulsion coagulant was employed in tofu manufacturing, and its effects on the physical properties and gel behavior of tofu were studied. Compared with MgCl2, the emulsion coagulant could extend the initial coagulation time of soybean protein from 3 s to about 30 s due to its sustained release effect on Mg2+, which significantly decelerated the tofu gelation rate. In addition, different Mg2+ release rates significantly influenced the physical properties of the final tofu gel. At an appropriate Mg2+ release rate (at 7000 r min−1), it promoted the formation of a uniform and denser gel network, increased protein β-sheet structures, and benefited tofu in terms of moisture retention, yield, color, springiness, and appearance quality improvement. However, under low Mg2+ release rate, the emulsion coagulant weakened the disulfide bond and hydrophobic action, resulting in a weaker network. It also enhanced the moisture mobility in the tofu gel, with a dehydration rate of up to 17.72%. Similarly, too fast Mg2+ release rate also resulted in uneven networks with voids, leading to reduced moisture retention, yield, and color quality of tofu. These findings aim to provide a theoretical basis for the industrial production of tofu.

Ligand substitution as a strategy to tailor cationic conductivity in all-solid-state batteries

An increased electrification of society calls for a revolution of battery technologies to further improve energy densities, safety and reduce dependencies on critical raw materials. Here we present a new type of fast magnesium electrolytes for all solid-state batteries created as solid solutions of two other fast Mg2+ ionic conductors, Mg(BH4)2 ∙ NH3 and Mg(BH4)2 ∙ CH3NH2. However, the different ligands introduce stacking faults in the structures of the solid solutions, which are eliminated upon heating to T > 40 °C. The stacking faults appear to influence ionic conductivity, as the samples are less conductive after heating. Interestingly, the ionic conductivity does not correlate directly with the relative ligand content, as the highest conductivity is observed for the 1:1 molar composition (σ(Mg2+) = 7.3 ∙ 10−6 S cm−1 at 40 °C), which also has the lowest melting point of 60 °C. Thus, this work demonstrates a new approach to increase cationic conductivity using mixed ligand systems to alter conduction pathways and introduce microstructural strain.

H2O-Mg2+ Waltz-Like Shuttle Enables High-Capacity and Ultralong-Life Magnesium-Ion Batteries.

Mg-ion batteries (MIBs) are promising next-generation secondary batteries, but suffer from sluggish Mg2+ migration kinetics and structural collapse of the cathode materials. Here, an H2O-Mg2+ waltz-like shuttle mechanism in the lamellar cathode, which is realized by the coordination, adaptive rotation and flipping, and co-migration of lattice H2O molecules with inserted Mg2+, leading to the fast Mg2+ migration kinetics, is reported; after Mg2+ extraction, the lattice H2O molecules rearrange to stabilize the lamellar structure, eliminating structural collapse of the cathode. Consequently, the demo cathode of Mg0.75V10O24·nH2O (MVOH) exhibits a high capacity of 350mAhg-1 at a current density of 50mAg-1 and maintains a capacity of 70mAhg-1 at 4Ag-1. The full aqueous MIB based on MVOH delivers an ultralong lifespan of 5000 cycles The reported waltz-like shuttle mechanism of lattice H2O provides a novel strategy to develop high-performance cathodes for MIBs as well as other multivalent-ion batteries.

Accessing Mg‐Ion Storage in V2PS10 via Combined Cationic‐Anionic Redox with Selective Bond Cleavage

AbstractMagnesium batteries attract interest as alternative energy‐storage devices because of elemental abundance and potential for high energy density. Development is limited by the absence of suitable cathodes, associated with poor diffusion kinetics resulting from strong interactions between Mg2+ and the host structure. V2PS10 is reported as a positive electrode material for rechargeable magnesium batteries. Cyclable capacity of 100 mAh g−1 is achieved with fast Mg2+ diffusion of 7.2 10−11–4 10−14 cm2 s−1. The fast insertion mechanism results from combined cationic redox on the V site and anionic redox on the (S2)2− site; enabled by reversible cleavage of S−S bonds, identified by X‐ray photoelectron and X‐ray absorption spectroscopy. Detailed structural characterisation with maximum entropy method analysis, supported by density functional theory and projected density of states analysis, reveals that the sulphur species involved in anion redox are not connected to the transition metal centres, spatially separating the two redox processes. This facilitates fast and reversible Mg insertion in which the nature of the redox process depends on the cation insertion site, creating a synergy between the occupancy of specific Mg sites and the location of the electrons transferred.

Accessing Mg-Ion Storage in V2PS10 via Combined Cationic-Anionic Redox with Selective Bond Cleavage.

Magnesium batteries attract interest as alternative energy-storage devices because of elemental abundance and potential for high energy density. Development is limited by the absence of suitable cathodes, associated with poor diffusion kinetics resulting from strong interactions between Mg2+ and the host structure. V2PS10 is reported as a positive electrode material for rechargeable magnesium batteries. Cyclable capacity of 100 mAh g-1 is achieved with fast Mg2+ diffusion of 7.2 10-11-4 10-14 cm2 s-1. The fast insertion mechanism results from combined cationic redox on the V site and anionic redox on the (S2)2- site; enabled by reversible cleavage of S-S bonds, identified by X-ray photoelectron and X-ray absorption spectroscopy. Detailed structural characterisation with maximum entropy method analysis, supported by density functional theory and projected density of states analysis, reveals that the sulphur species involved in anion redox are not connected to the transition metal centres, spatially separating the two redox processes. This facilitates fast and reversible Mg insertion in which the nature of the redox process depends on the cation insertion site, creating a synergy between the occupancy of specific Mg sites and the location of the electrons transferred.

Characterizing Mg2+ Conduction in Metal-Organic Frameworks

Next generation solid-state materials for fast ion conduction have the potential to revolutionize battery technology. Metal-organic frameworks (MOF) are a promising material for achieving this goal. Given their structural diversity and complexity, design of efficient MOF-based ion conductors can be accelerated by detailed understanding and quantitative prediction of ion conductivity. To this end, the chemical behavior and transport properties of an Mg(TFSI)2/DME electrolyte system inside Mg-MOF-74 were studied by a combination of computational and experimental methods.The dominant minimum energy pathway (MEP) for Mg2+ conduction inside Mg-MOF-74 was found to be “solvent hopping” mechanism, with an energy barrier of 4.4 kcal/mol.However, due to the polycrystalline nature of solid-state materials, specifically MOF-74 in our case, grain boundary effects need to be taken into consideration, which is complicated by challenges in grain boundary characterization, as well as modeling of ensemble transport properties. To address these issues, we developed an approach for modeling ion transport at grain boundaries and predicting their contribution to conductivity. In particular, Mg2+ conduction in Mg-MOF-74 thin film was studied as a representative system. Using computational techniques and guided by experimental data, we investigated the structural details of MOF grain boundary interfaces to determine accessible Mg2+ transport pathways. Computed transport kinetics were input into a simplified model of the MOF nanocrystal, which combined ion transport in bulk structure and at grain boundaries. The model was able to predict Mg2+ conductivity in MOF-74 thin film within chemical accuracy (<1 kcal/mol difference for apparent activation energy), validating our approach. The results indicate that Mg2+ conduction in MOF-74 is inhibited due to strong Mg2+ binding at grain boundaries. Only favorable alignments of the grain boundary interface allow for fast Mg2+ transport through MOF and contribute notably to ion conductivity. The relative scarcity (~0.1% frequency) of these favorable alignments results in a reduction of conductivity by 2-3 orders of magnitude, illustrating the large impact of the grain boundary contribution. Grain boundary structure and its interaction with ions are critical for a molecular-level understanding of solid-state ion transport and quantitative prediction of conductivity.Our work provides a computation-aided synergistic platform for quantifying the role of grain boundaries in mediating ion transport, which can serve as a complementary characterization tool for the solid-state ion conductor community and providing insights for MOFs’ application in Mg battery area.

Vertically-oriented growth of MgMOF layer via heteroepitaxial guidance for highly stable magnesium-metal anode

Hybrid Li-Mg batteries (LMBs) have captured growing attention beyond lithium-ion batteries, however, the practical application of LMBs has still been blocked by the passivated layer on the Mg anode surface, as well as the nonuniform Mg2+ electrodeposition. Herein, we designed a vertically-oriented MgMOF layer on the surface of Mg foil, which functioned as the Mg2+ reservoir and guided the directional growth, via the heteroepitaxial growth strategy. It was an ingenious synergism of the lattice precise matching (lattice geometrical misfit less than 1%), magnesiophilic interface and electrical-field effect. The MgMOF layer was designed to improve the electrochemical kinetics of the Mg-electrolyte interface and guide the uniform Mg2+ electroplating/stripping under high current density. Remarkably, the MgMOF layer, with enriched Mg2+ affinity sites and the 1D aligned MOF channels, promoted the fast Mg2+ transportation and homogeneous Mg nucleation and growth. The MgMOF@Mg anode exhibited decreased Mg nucleation overpotential due to the protective MOF layer. The assembled MgMOF@Mg//MgMOF@Mg cell delivered elongated lifespan of 1200 cycles, even under the high current density of 8 mA cm−2 without short circuit. Impressively, the full cell, coupled with Mo6S8 cathode, displayed excellent cycling performance with capacity retention of 80.56 %, even after 14000 cycles at 50 C. The design concept shed fresh light for the rational design of MOF-based protective layer from the lattice geometrical perspective, which could be widely applied to other advanced metal batteries

Characterizing Grain Boundary Effects on Mg2+ Conduction in Metal–Organic Frameworks

Next-generation materials for fast ion conduction have the potential to revolutionize battery technology. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are promising candidates for achieving this goal. Given their structural diversity, the design of efficient MOF-based conductors can be accelerated by a detailed understanding and accurate prediction of ion conductivity. However, the polycrystalline nature of solid-state materials requires consideration of grain boundary effects, which is complicated by challenges in characterizing grain boundary structures and simulating ensemble transport processes. To address this, we have developed an approach for modeling ion transport at grain boundaries and predicting their contribution to conductivity. Mg2+ conduction in the Mg-MOF-74 thin film was studied as a representative system. Using computational techniques and guided by experiments, we investigated the structural details of MOF grain boundary interfaces to determine accessible Mg2+ transport pathways. Computed transport kinetics were input into a simplified MOF nanocrystal model, which combines ion transport in the bulk structure and at grain boundaries. The model predicts Mg2+ conductivity in the MOF-74 film within chemical accuracy (<1 kcal/mol activation energy difference), validating our approach. Physically, Mg2+ conduction in MOF-74 is inhibited by strong Mg2+ binding at grain boundaries, such that only a small fraction of grain boundary alignments allow for fast Mg2+ transport. This results in a 2-3 order-of-magnitude reduction in conductivity, illustrating the critical impact of the grain boundary contribution. Overall, our work provides a computation-aided platform for molecular-level understanding of grain boundary effects and quantitative prediction of ion conductivity. Combined with experimental measurements, it can serve as a synergistic tool for characterizing the grain boundary composition of MOF-based conductors.

Non-stoichiometric Cu2-xSe hollow nanocubes cathodes enabling high-rate capability and ultra-long cyclic stability rechargeable Mg batteries

Rechargeable Mg batteries with the merits of low cost, high safety and environmental compatibility are deemed as promising energy storage techniques for large-scale applications. However, the actual development of rechargeable Mg batteries is constantly hindered by the difficulty of finding suitable electrode materials to accommodate Mg2+. Cu2-xSe has exceptionally high electrical conductivity and its unique crystal structure could be better compatible with Mg2+ cations. Herein, a novel Cu2-xSe hollow nanocube with extraordinarily high conductivity and unique structure was designed and synthesized by facile one-step template-directed selenation reaction methods. The excellent Mg electrochemical performance of Cu2-xSe hollow nanocube cathodes was demonstrated based on rechargeable Mg batteries. The Cu2-xSe NCs provide a high specific capacity of 232.5 mAh g-1 at 100 mA g-1, superior cycling stability over 3700 cycles, and an excellent rate capacity of 163.1 mAh g-1 at 3000 mA g-1. Furthermore, the two-step magnesiation/demagnesiation processes of the Cu2-xSe NC cathodes were revealed, and the accelerating effects of the fast Mg2+ diffusion in the unique hierarchical structure on magnesium storage performance were analyzed. The outcomes of this study not only provide simple methods for fabricating high-performance Cu2-xSe cathodes but also propose valuable insights for exploring conversion-type Mg-storage materials.

Intercalation of bilayered V2O5 by electronically coupled PEDOT for greatly improved kinetic performance of magnesium ion battery cathodes

Magnesium ion batteries (MIBs) are attracting attention as promising alternatives to next-generation energy storage systems owing to their high safety, high volumetric capacity, low reduction potential, abundant raw materials, and economic efficiency. However, developing highly reversible and kinetically fast MIB cathode materials is very challenging owing to the sluggish Mg2+ ion diffusion and low reversible capacity typical of bivalent magnesium ions, as well as the strong electrostatic interactions with the host cathode material. Herein, we designed a charge transfer interaction of a bilayered V2O5/PEDOT (VOP) complex with involving the phase transition of PEDOT from a quinoid to a benzoid structure which could be realized because of reversible and fast Mg2+ ion storage through an enlarged interlayer spacing of 19.02Å. Furthermore, the effect of water activation on the enhancement of the kinetics was confirmed by conducting electrochemical and in-situ/ex-situ characterizations. Consequently, the as-designed VOP electrodes delivered a high specific capacity of 339.7 mAh/g at 100 mA g−1, high-rate capacity of 256.3 mAh/g at 500 mA g−1, and long-term cyclic stability with a 0.065 % decay rate and high capacity of 172.5 mAh/g after 500 cycles.

A two-dimensional VO2/VS2 heterostructure as a promising cathode material for rechargeable Mg batteries: a first principles study.

Rechargeable magnesium batteries (RMBs) are considered as highly promising energy storage systems. However, the lack of cathode materials with fast Mg2+ diffusion kinetics and high energy density severely hinders the development of RMBs. Herein, a two-dimensional (2D) VO2/VS2 heterostructure as a RMB cathode material is proposed by introducing an O-V-O layer in VS2 to improve the discharge voltage and specific capacity while keeping the fast Mg2+ diffusion kinetics. Based on first principle calculations, the geometric structures, electronic characteristics of the VO2/VS2 heterostructure, and the adsorption properties and diffusion behaviors of Mg2+ in VO2/VS2 are systematically studied. The metallic properties of VO2/VS2 and a relatively low diffusion barrier of Mg2+ (0.6 eV) in VO2/VS2 enable a large potential in delivering high rate performance in actual RMBs. Compared with traditional VS2 materials (1.25 V), the average discharge platform of VO2/VS2 could be increased to 1.7 V. The theoretical capacities of the layered VS2 and VO2/VS2 are calculated as 233 and 301 mA h g-1, respectively. Thus, the VO2/VS2 heterostructure exhibits a high theoretical energy density of 511.7 W h kg-1, significantly surpassing that of VS2 (291.3 W h kg-1). This work provides important guidance for designing high-energy and high-rate 2D heterostructure cathode materials for RMBs and other multivalent ion batteries.

Synthesis, Structure and Mg2+ Ionic Conductivity of Isopropylamine Magnesium Borohydride

The discovery of new inorganic magnesium electrolytes may act as a foundation for the rational design of novel types of solid-state batteries. Here we investigated a new type of organic-inorganic metal hydride, isopropylamine magnesium borohydride, Mg(BH4)2∙(CH3)2CHNH2, with hydrophobic domains in the solid state, which appear to promote fast Mg2+ ionic conductivity. A new synthetic strategy was designed by combination of solvent-based methods and mechanochemistry. The orthorhombic structure of Mg(BH4)2∙(CH3)2CHNH2 was solved ab initio by the Rietveld refinement of synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction data and density functional theory (DFT) structural optimization in space group I212121 (unit cell, a = 9.8019(1) Å, b = 12.1799(2) Å and c = 17.3386(2) Å). The DFT calculations reveal that the three-dimensional structure may be stabilized by weak dispersive interactions between apolar moieties and that these may be disordered. Nanoparticles and heat treatment (at T &gt; 56 °C) produce a highly conductive composite, σ(Mg2+) = 2.86 × 10−7, and 2.85 × 10−5 S cm−1 at −10 and 40 °C, respectively, with a low activation energy, Ea = 0.65 eV. Nanoparticles stabilize the partially eutectic molten state and prevent recrystallization even at low temperatures and provide a high mechanical stability of the composite.

Oxygen vacancies boosted fast Mg2+ migration in solids at room temperature

Magnesium (Mg) batteries are promising candidates for lithium-ion batteries owing to their high theoretical capacity and the rich natural abundance of Mg. However, the development of Mg metal batteries, especially in an attractive solid-state configuration, is hampered by sluggish Mg2+ migration. Here, we discover that by incorporating oxygen vacancies on the surface of metal oxide nanopowders, the Mg2+ ion conductivity (σi) at room temperature in Mg(BH4)2·1.5NH3 is dramatically improved on the order of 10−4 S cm−1, e.g., 2.96 × 10−4 S cm−1, by the addition of 60 wt.% TiO2. Theoretical simulations indicate that the high σi is due to the “coordination-unlock” phenomenon at the interface, where the coordination sheath of Mg(BH4)2·1.5NH3 is unlocked by oxygen vacancies and coordination-deficient Mg transfers on the surface through interactions with oxygen sites. The strategy involving the assistance of oxygen vacancies could create a new path for designing new divalent cation conductors.

Tellurium: A High-Performance Cathode for Magnesium Ion Batteries Based on a Conversion Mechanism.

Magnesium ion batteries (MIBs), due to the low redox potential of Mg, high theoretical capacity, dendrite-free magnesiation, and safe nature, have been recognized as a post-lithium energy storage system. However, an ongoing challenge, sluggish Mg2+ kinetics in the small number of available cathode materials of MIBs, restricts its further development. The existing cathodes mostly deliver unsatisfactory capacity with poor cycling life based on the traditional ion-intercalation mechanism. Herein, we fabricated a conversion-type Mg∥Te battery based on a reversible two-step conversion reaction (Te to MgTe2 to MgTe). High discharge capacities (387 mAh g-1) and rate capability (165 mAh g-1 at 5 A g-1) can be achieved. The diffusivity of Mg2+ can reach 3.54 × 10-8 cm2 s-1, enabled by the high electrical conductivity of Te and increased surface conversion sites. Subsequently, ab initio molecular dynamics simulation was also carried out to further confirm the conversion mechanism and fast Mg2+ transportation kinetics.

Synchrotron X-ray Spectroscopic Investigations of In-Situ-Formed Alloy Anodes for Magnesium Batteries.

Magnesium batteries present high volumetric energy density and dendrite-free deposition of Mg, drawing wide attention in energy-storage devices. However, their further development remains stagnated due to relevant interfacial issues between the Mg anode and the electrolyte and sluggish solid-state diffusion kinetics of Mg2+ ions. Herein, an in situ conversion chemistry to construct a nanostructured Bi anode from bismuth selenide driven by Li+ is proposed. Through the combination of operando synchrotron X-ray diffraction, ex situ synchrotron X-ray absorption spectroscopy, and comprehensive electrochemical tests, it is demonstrated that the nanosize of the in-situ-formed Bi crystals contributes to the fast Mg2+ diffusion kinetics and highly efficient Mg-Bi alloingy/de-alloying. The resultant Bi anodes exhibit superior long-term cycling stability with over 600 cycles under a high current density of 1.0 A g-1 . This work provides a new approach to construct alloy anode and paves the way for exploring novel electrode materials for magnesium batteries.

Hierarchical 3D Cuprous Sulfide Nanoporous Cluster Arrays Self-Assembled on Copper Foam as a Binder-Free Cathode for Hybrid Magnesium-Based Batteries.

On account of easy accessibility, high theoretical volumetric capacity and dendrite-free magnesium (Mg) anode, Mg battery has a great promise to be next generation rechargeable batteries, yet still remains a challenging task in acquiring fast Mg2+ kinetics and effective cathode materials. Herein, hierarchical 3D cuprous sulfide porous nanosheet decorated nanowire cluster arrays with robust adhesion on copper foam (Cu2 S HP/CF), which is employed as a binder-free conversion cathode material for magnesium/lithium hybrid battery, delivering impressively initial and reversible specific capacity of 383 and 311 mAh g-1 at 100mA g-1 , respectively, which are obviously outperformed corresponding powder cathode in a traditional method by using polymer binder, is reported. Intriguingly, benefiting from the hierarchical nanoporous array architecture and self-assembly feature, Cu2 S HP/CF cathode shows a remarkable cycling stability with a high capacity of 129 mAh g-1 at 300mA g-1 over 500 cycles. This work not only highlights a guide for designing hierarchical nanoporous materials derived from metal-organic frameworks, but also provides a novel strategy of in situ formation to fabricate binder-free cathodes.

Genuine divalent magnesium-ion storage and fast diffusion kinetics in metal oxides at room temperature

Rechargeable magnesium batteries represent a viable alternative to lithium-ion technology that can potentially overcome its safety, cost, and energy density limitations. Nevertheless, the development of a competitive room temperature magnesium battery has been hindered by the sluggish dissociation of electrolyte complexes and the low mobility of Mg2+ ions in solids, especially in metal oxides that are generally used in lithium-ion batteries. Herein, we introduce a generic proton-assisted method for the dissociation of the strong Mg-Cl bond to enable genuine Mg2+ intercalation into an oxide host lattice; meanwhile, the anisotropic Smoluchowski effect produced by titanium oxide lattices results in unusually fast Mg2+ diffusion kinetics along the atomic trough direction with a record high ion conductivity of 1.8 × 10-4 S ⋅ cm-1 on the same order as polymer electrolyte. The realization of genuine Mg2+ storage and fast diffusion kinetics enabled a rare high-power Mg-intercalation battery with inorganic oxides. The success of this work provides important information on engineering surface and interlayer chemistries of layered materials to tackle the sluggish intercalation kinetics of multivalent ions.

Additively manufactured biodegradable porous magnesium implants for elimination of implant-related infections: An in vitro and in vivo study

Magnesium (Mg) alloys that have both antibacterial and osteogenic properties are suitable candidates for orthopedic implants. However, the fabrication of ideal Mg implants suitable for bone repair remains challenging because it requires implants with interconnected pore structures and personalized geometric shapes. In this study, we fabricated a porous 3D-printed Mg-Nd-Zn-Zr (denoted as JDBM) implant with suitable mechanical properties using selective laser melting technology. The 3D-printed JDBM implant exhibited cytocompatibility in MC3T3-E1 and RAW267.4 cells and excellent osteoinductivity in vitro. Furthermore, the implant demonstrated excellent antibacterial ratios of 90.0% and 92.1% for methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and Escherichia coli, respectively. The 3D-printed JDBM implant prevented MRSA-induced implant-related infection in a rabbit model and showed good in vivo biocompatibility based on the results of histological evaluation, blood tests, and Mg2+ deposition detection. In addition, enhanced inflammatory response and TNF-α secretion were observed at the bone-implant interface of the 3D-printed JDBM implants during the early implantation stage. The high Mg2+ environment produced by the degradation of 3D-printed JDBM implants could promote M1 phenotype of macrophages (Tnf, iNOS, Ccl3, Ccl4, Ccl5, Cxcl10, and Cxcl2), and enhance the phagocytic ability of macrophages. The enhanced immunoregulatory effect generated by relatively fast Mg2+ release and implant degradation during the early implantation stage is a potential antibacterial mechanism of Mg-based implant. Our findings indicate that 3D-printed porous JDBM implants, having both antibacterial property and osteoinductivity, hold potential for future orthopedic applications.

Mo-doped VS4 with interlayer-expanded and engineering sulfur vacancies as cathode for advanced magnesium storage

Magnesium ion batteries (MIBs) are considered as the next potential candidate due to the low reduction potential, high theoretical volumetric capacity, economicaland low degree of dendrite formation. However, it is still a great challenge for enhancing its electrochemical properties by decorating cathode materials. Herein, Mo-doped VS4 with various Mo content has been synthesized via one-step hydrothermal method. The characterization results show that Mo-doping not only regulate the morphology and enhance the electrical conductivity, but also expand the interlayer spacing and generate rich sulfur vacancies. Based on the synergistic effect of above various factors, Mo-doping has shortened the diffusion path for fast reaction kinetics, maintained the structure stability and provided more active sites for the increasing of reversible capacity, resulting in the excellent electrochemical properties. As for Mo-doped VS4 with various Mo content, 3% Mo-VS4 exhibits the superior cycling stability with the high specific capacity about 120 mAh g−1 at 50 mA g−1 over 350 cycles and excellent rate performance under the high current density of 500 mA g−1. In addition, pesudocapaticance-like contribution analysis as well as galvanostatic intermittent titration technique (GITT) further confirm that rich sulfur vacancies and hollow flower-like microsphere are beneficial for the fast Mg2+ diffusion and enhanced reaction kinetics. Our design strategy of the metal ion doping provides a favorable reference for developing various alkali metal ion batteries.

A phase-convertible fast ionic conductor with a monolithic plastic crystalline host

We present a fast Mg2+-ion conductor with a monolithic plastic crystalline host. Also, conformal contact with a solid electrode can be achieved by using the reversible phase transition of succinonitrile through simple heating and cooling processes.