Abstract:
Electrolytes for Mg-based energy storage devices can be formed from non-nucleophilic Mg2+ sources to provide outstanding electrochemical performance and improved electrophilic susceptibility compared to electrolytes employing nucleophilic sources. The instant electrolytes are characterized by high oxidation stability (up to 3.4 V vs Mg), improved electrophile compatibility and electrochemical reversibility (up to 100% coulombic efficiency). Synthesis of the Mg2+ electrolytes utilizes inexpensive and safe magnesium dihalides as non-nucleophilic Mg2+ sources in combination with Lewis acids, MRaX3-a (for 3≧a≧1). Furthermore, addition of free-halide-anion donors can improve the coulombic efficiency of Mg electrolytes from nucleophilic or non-nucleophilic Mg2+ sources.