Effects of alkoxide addition on the electrochemical deposition and dissolution in triglyme-based solution dissolving magnesium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)amide

Electrochemical deposition and dissolution of magnesium (Mg) has been examined in triethylene glycol dimethyl ether (triglyme, G3) dissolving magnesium bis(triflouromethanesulfonyl)amide, Mg(TFSA)2. The voltammetric current responses at platinum (Pt) electrode in the G3-based electrolytes revealed that the Mg deposition/dissolution process depends on the Mg species in the solution phase. The addition of alkoxides, Mg(OCnH2n+1)2, was effective on the reversibility of the process in Mg(TFSA)2/G3. Higher anodic current corresponding to the electrochemical dissolution was observed in the electrolyte solution containing Mg(OC2H5)2 as the additive. The morphology of the Mg deposition at the Pt substrate also depended on the additive Mg-alkoxides. The resulting Mg(TFSA)2/G3 solutions containing Mg-alkoxides were found to be a possible electrolyte system for rechargeable Mg battery operating at ambient temperature.