Universal Hexagonal Mg Deposition Morphology Revealed by Cryo-TEM

We are proud to share the recent publication of our IMRE scientists in Nature Communications, reporting a significant breakthrough in magnesium battery research.

In this work, for the first time, the team uncovered a universal hexagonal magnesium (Mg) deposition morphology using cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM). Such observations were not possible using conventional TEM due to extensive beam-induced damage.

By suppressing surface passivation through electrolyte modification, the cryo-TEM studies revealed that the intrinsic deposition morphology of Mg metal is a well-defined hexagonal platelet. Importantly, this morphology persists independent of electrolyte chemistries — including different salts, solvents, and solvation structures — demonstrating a universal behaviour across diverse electrolyte systems.

This discovery challenges previous assumptions that Mg deposition behaviour is governed by electrolyte chemistry and helps resolve a long-standing controversial issue in magnesium battery research.

Beyond revealing the intrinsic morphology of Mg deposition, the study provides a fundamental understanding of its electrochemical behaviour and its correlation with the surface interphase in different electrolyte systems. These insights offer important guidance for the rational design of next-generation, high-performance magnesium batteries.

This achievement underscores IMRE’s capabilities in advanced characterisation and energy materials research and highlights how cryogenic microscopy can unlock previously inaccessible insights into electrochemical processes.

Read the full article in Nature Communications (https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-67029-4) to discover how this study redefines our understanding of Mg deposition in batteries.