Opportunity

Advancing rechargeable magnesium batteries depends on cathode materials that can accommodate multivalent Mg²⁺ insertion without structural collapse while also being produced through practical, scalable synthesis routes. Conventional preparation of Chevrel-phase Mo₆Z₈ compounds often requires sealed ampoules, extended heat treatments and handling of reactive precursors, creating safety concerns and limiting throughput. To address these constraints, researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) and the University of Pittsburgh (Pitt.), developed a precursor-driven synthesis that forms Chevrel-phase structures through controlled thermal conversion of mixed metal compounds rather than sealed-vessel reactions. This route enables more uniform stoichiometry, reduces processing time and improves phase purity. The resulting materials exhibit stable and reversible magnesium intercalation and can be integrated with compatible electrolytes to assemble robust cells for high-capacity energy storage. This technology is available for licensing and/or further collaborative research from NETL in partnership with Pitt.