Synchrotron X-ray spectroscopic investigations of in-situ-formed alloy anodes for magnesium batteries

Abstract

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.