Graphene and magnesiated graphene as electrodes for magnesium ion batteries

Herein, for the first time we attempt to use graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) as a cathode for magnesium ion batteries. We demonstrate a simple electrochemical technique to synthesise GNP-Mg composites and modify its structure using heat treatment ∼600 °C (H-GNP-Mg). Their structures were evaluated with X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman spectroscopy and elemental distribution determined using energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDX). GNP and H-GNP-Mg cathodes deliver a high specific capacity of ∼387/170, and 179/165 mAh/g for the 1st cycle and 2nd cycle, respectively. This work illustrates that GNP's feature high conductivity and surface areas which make them promising cathode candidates for magnesium batteries.