Solid-state magnesium-air battery bends 120 degrees without leaks

Researchers at the University of Tsukuba in Japan have developed an all-solid-state magnesium-air rechargeable battery featuring a nitrogen-doped porous graphene cathode and a solid polymer electrolyte infused with magnesium chloride. This design addresses long-standing issues of chemical degradation caused by chloride ions in traditional magnesium-air batteries, which damage components and reduce performance over repeated cycles. The graphene cathode resists chloride attack while maintaining high catalytic activity for oxygen reactions, outperforming platinum-based cathodes. The solid-state electrolyte enhances safety and mechanical integrity by eliminating leakage risks associated with liquid electrolytes. The battery demonstrated remarkable flexibility, maintaining performance even when bent to 120 degrees without electrolyte leakage, suggesting potential applications in flexible electronics, wearable devices, electric vehicles, and stationary storage. By using magnesium—a more abundant and less costly metal than lithium or platinum—the technology could reduce supply chain risks and lower costs. This advancement offers a practical pathway toward durable, high-capacity magnesium-air batteries, potentially enabling safer and more affordable electrification compared to conventional lithium