Does Mg2+ reversibly intercalate into transition metal oxides?

Speaker:  Jordi Cabana, UIC

Program Description:  
Li-ion batteries hold the commanding heights of energy storage today. In a quest to further boost energy density, interest exists in batteries that couple a Mg metal anode and an oxide cathode that can intercalate Mg2+ ions. Before devices are built, experimental verification of intercalation in the oxide is indispensable because competing reactions that are not productive for storage often interfere. Such goal requires a combination of tools providing information at different scales, with synchrotron featuring prominently. The aim of this talk is to lay the groundwork to answer this foundational question, which holds the key to any technological hope.