Structured spinel oxide positive electrodes of magnesium rechargeable batteries: High rate performance and high cyclability by interconnected bimodal pores and vanadium oxide coating

A structured spinel oxide as a positive-electrode active material for magnesium rechargeable batteries was produced using a propylene-oxide-driven sol–gel method and subsequent vanadium oxide coating. Porous frameworks consisting of MgMn₂O₄ nanoparticles having diameters of ∼10 nm exhibited a large specific surface area of ∼150 m² g⁻¹ and interconnected bimodal pores distributed in the micrometer (1–10 μm) and nanometer (10–100 nm) regions. Hierarchical conduction paths constructed by mixing the porous frameworks with carbon nanoparticles reduced the overpotential for the insertion and extraction of magnesium ions and increased the redox capacity in an ionic-liquid electrolyte system. Moreover, the surface coating of vanadium oxide on the spinel oxide nanoparticles enhanced the extraction of magnesium ions and suppressed the decomposition of the electrolyte. The electrochemical properties, such as the capacities, rate capabilities, and cyclabilities, of the positive electrodes were largely improved by the structured spinel oxide frameworks.