Microscopic view of lithium and magnesium ions flowing through vanadium oxide battery material.

Next-Gen Batteries: Can Vanadium Oxide Polymorphs Outperform Lithium-Ion?

Kai Mendoza in Tech & Innovation August 2025 • 4 min read.

"Exploring the potential of vanadium oxide in lithium and magnesium-ion batteries for enhanced energy storage and safety."

The quest for better batteries is a driving force behind modern technology. Magnesium-ion batteries are emerging as a promising alternative to lithium-ion, offering the potential for higher energy density, lower costs, and enhanced safety. This potential hinges on finding suitable materials for the battery's cathode, and vanadium oxide is stepping into the spotlight.

Recent studies highlight orthorhombic α-V2O5 as a strong contender for magnesium-ion battery cathodes. However, key questions remain about how magnesium ions interact with this material at the atomic level. Understanding the specific locations where magnesium ions insert themselves into the α-V2O5 structure, and what structural changes occur during this process, is crucial for optimizing battery performance.

To address these questions, researchers are using advanced techniques like aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), electron diffraction, electron energy loss (EEL), and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (XEDS). This powerful combination of methods allows scientists to directly observe the behavior of magnesium ions within the vanadium oxide structure, paving the way for the development of more efficient and durable batteries.

Unlocking Battery Potential: How Vanadium Oxide Could Revolutionize Energy Storage

Microscopic view of lithium and magnesium ions flowing through vanadium oxide battery material.

A detailed study focuses on understanding how magnesium integrates into α-V2O5. Scientists compared two types of samples: (1) α-V2O5 cathodes that had undergone electrochemical cycling in a full cell with a magnesium metal anode, and (2) chemically synthesized MgV2O5. The study aimed to pinpoint the exact locations where magnesium ions embed themselves within the α-V2O5 structure during battery operation.

The research indicates that when α-V2O5 is electrochemically cycled, it tends to form ε-Mg0.5V2O5, a phase predicted by earlier theoretical calculations using density functional theory (DFT). High-resolution images, including High-Angle Annular Dark-Field (HAADF) and Annular Bright-Field (ABF) images, provide visual confirmation of this structural transformation. This finding is crucial because it links theoretical predictions with experimental observations, validating the models used to design new battery materials.

Enhanced Energy Density: Magnesium-ion batteries offer the potential for greater volumetric energy density compared to lithium-ion.
Improved Safety: Magnesium is generally safer than lithium, reducing the risk of battery fires and explosions.
Lower Cost: Magnesium is more abundant and cheaper than lithium, potentially lowering battery costs.

Beyond α-V2O5, the study also explores other forms of vanadium oxide, such as ζ-V2O5. Theoretical calculations suggest that these alternative structures could lower the barrier for ion movement, making it easier for ions to move in and out of the battery material during charging and discharging. This could lead to faster charging times and improved battery performance. Lithium intercalation in tunnel-structured ζ-V2O5 polymorph was investigated, showing that ζ-V2O5 nanowires have much better Lithium-cycling properties compared to orthorhombic α-V2O5. The researchers are also examining how magnesium interacts with ζ-V2O5 nanowires, comparing their electrochemical performance at different temperatures.

The Future of Batteries: A Vanadium Oxide Vision

By systematically comparing different vanadium oxide structures and their interactions with lithium and magnesium ions, this research contributes to the ongoing development of next-generation batteries. The results obtained for novel polymorph (-V2O5 will be directly compared with previous work investigating Mg intercalation in a-V2O5 [2]. Other V2O5 polymorphs, such as ɛ-V2O5 will also be tested for their ability to intercalate Li or Mg [5]. As the demand for energy storage solutions continues to grow, innovations in battery materials like vanadium oxide will play a critical role in powering electric vehicles, storing renewable energy, and shaping a more sustainable future.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1017/s1431927617010728, Alternate LINK

Title: Systematic Transmission Electron Microscopy Study Investigating Lithium And Magnesium Intercalation In Vanadium Oxide Polymorphs

Subject: Instrumentation

Journal: Microscopy and Microanalysis

Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)

Authors: A. Mukherjee, R. F. Klie, H.D. Yoo, G. Nolis, J. Cabana, J. Andrews, S. Banerjee

Published: 2017-07-01

Everything You Need To Know

What are researchers investigating as potential alternatives to lithium-ion batteries, and why are they considered next-generation?

Researchers are exploring different vanadium oxide polymorphs like orthorhombic α-V2O5 and ζ-V2O5 as potential cathode materials for magnesium-ion batteries. These batteries are considered next-generation technology because they offer the potential for higher energy density, improved safety, and lower costs compared to current lithium-ion technology. Understanding how magnesium ions interact with these vanadium oxide structures is crucial for optimizing battery performance.

What advanced techniques are scientists employing to understand the interactions between magnesium ions and vanadium oxide in batteries?

Scientists use techniques such as aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), electron diffraction, electron energy loss (EEL), and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (XEDS) to study the interactions between magnesium ions and vanadium oxide structures. These methods enable direct observation of magnesium ion behavior within α-V2O5 and other vanadium oxide polymorphs, helping to understand structural changes and optimize material properties for battery applications.

What key structural transformation occurs in α-V2O5 during electrochemical cycling, and why is this finding significant?

The study indicates that during electrochemical cycling, α-V2O5 transforms into ε-Mg0.5V2O5, a phase predicted by density functional theory (DFT). This transformation is visually confirmed through High-Angle Annular Dark-Field (HAADF) and Annular Bright-Field (ABF) imaging. This is important because it validates theoretical models used in designing new battery materials, bridging the gap between computational predictions and experimental results.

What are the key advantages of using magnesium-ion batteries over lithium-ion batteries?

Magnesium-ion batteries are being explored because magnesium is more abundant and cheaper than lithium, potentially lowering battery costs. Magnesium is also generally safer, reducing the risk of fires and explosions. Furthermore, magnesium-ion batteries offer the potential for greater volumetric energy density compared to lithium-ion batteries, making them an attractive alternative for future energy storage solutions.

Besides α-V2O5, what other vanadium oxide structures are being explored, and what advantages might they offer for battery performance?

While the research primarily focuses on α-V2O5, it also explores other vanadium oxide structures such as ζ-V2O5. Theoretical calculations suggest that these alternative structures could lower the barrier for ion movement, which could lead to faster charging times and improved overall battery performance. Lithium intercalation in tunnel-structured ζ-V2O5 polymorph has shown better Lithium-cycling properties compared to orthorhombic α-V2O5, indicating the potential for diverse vanadium oxide structures in battery applications.