Approaches to Construct High-Performance Mg–Air Batteries

Achieving higher discharge performance in Mg–air batteries has been a persistent challenge. This quest is hindered by issues such as low anodic efficiency and discharge voltage. These challenges arise from the rapid self-corrosion at the anode and the sluggish oxygen reduction reaction at the cathode. This study offers a comprehensive exploration of strategies aimed at enhancing the discharge performance of Mg–air batteries through optimization of both the anode and cathode components. Furthermore, traditional trial-and-error approaches, commonly employed in previous research, are recognized for their inefficiency and time-consuming nature. As a result, this study provides a concise overview of innovative design methodologies, encompassing density-functional theory and machine learning. By gaining a comprehensive understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of these strategies, researchers can more effectively design high-performance anodes and cathodes, thereby expediting the discovery process.