Spinel–rocksalt transition as a key cathode reaction toward high-energy-density magnesium rechargeable batteries

Mg-metal-anode rechargeable battery (MRB) has been a promising candidate for next-generation batteries with high energy densities and high safety. The lack of high-performance cathode materials, however, retards the development of MRBs. In recent years, it has been revealed that various spinel oxides can accommodate a large amount of Mg, exhibiting relatively high potentials (2–3 V vs. Mg²⁺/Mg) and high capacities (∼150 mAh g⁻¹) accompanied by the coherent structural transformation into the rocksalt structure. This review summarizes the recent progress in the development of such spinel–rocksalt transition materials from the viewpoints of the reaction mechanisms, design guidelines of spinel oxides (for tailoring the redox potential, volume change, and cyclability), and challenges to construct full-cell MRBs.