Highly Active Electrolytes for Rechargeable Mg Batteries Based on [Mg2(μ-Cl)2]2+ Cation Complex in Dimethoxyethane

Journal Article · Thu Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 2015 · Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics. PCCP, 17(20):13307-13314

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1039/C5CP00859J· OSTI ID:1182866

Cheng, Yingwen; Stolley, Ryan M.; Han, Kee Sung; Shao, Yuyan; Arey, Bruce W.; Washton, Nancy M.; Mueller, Karl T.; Helm, Monte L.; Sprenkle, Vincent L.; Liu, Jun; Li, Guosheng

Highly active electrolytes based on a novel [Mg2(μ-Cl)2]2+ cation complex for reversible Mg deposition were developed and analyzed in this work. These electrolytes were formulated in dimethoxyethane through dehalodimerization of non-nucleophilic MgCl2 by reacting with either Mg salts (such as Mg(TFSI)2, TFSI= bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonylimide) or Lewis acid salts (such as AlEtCl2 or AlCl3). The cation complex was identified for the first time as [Mg2(μ-Cl)2(DME)4]2+ (DME=dimethoxyethane) and its molecular structure was characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy and NMR. The electrolyte synthesis process was studied and rational approaches for formulating highly active electrolytes were proposed. Through control of the anions, electrolytes with efficiency close to 100%, wide electrochemical window (up to 3.5V) and high ionic conductivity (> 6 mS/cm) were obtained. The electrolyte synthesis and understandings developed in this work could bring significant opportunities for rational formulation of electrolytes with the general formula [Mg2(μ-Cl)2(DME)4][anion]x for practical Mg batteries.

• Research Organization: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (US), Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory (EMSL)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-76RL01830
• OSTI ID: 1182866
• Report Number(s): PNNL-SA-106553; 48681; TE1400000
• Journal Information: Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics. PCCP, 17(20):13307-13314, Journal Name: Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics. PCCP, 17(20):13307-13314
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory
Mg Battery
Electrolytes
DME
Mg dimer complex