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Emerging Developments of Inorganic Magnesium Solid-State Electrolytes

Anik Brinckerhoff1 and Hong Fang1,2,3,4,*

  • *Contact author: hong.fang@rutgers.edu
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PRX Energy 5, 027001 – Published 16 April, 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/2df5-tywt

Abstract

Usable magnesium batteries are promising alternatives to lithium technology. The currently most widely used battery type based on lithium is reaching its cost-reduction limit due to the relative rarity of the precursors and environmental side effects. While other ions, such as sodium, have also been investigated for use in batteries, magnesium stands out due to its several advantages, including high abundance and high theoretical capacity. While most of the current magnesium batteries contain liquid electrolytes, solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) are especially of interest due to their potential advantages over the liquid ones, including enhanced safety, higher energy density, wider electrochemical stability window and operative temperature range, resistance to side reactions and degradation, and simplified battery-pack design. However, Mg-based SSEs have their own difficulties, most notably the lack of ionic conductivity. Only a few Mg-ion conductors can achieve superionic conductivity at room temperature with a low activation energy. Thus, researchers continually search for inorganic solids that can conduct Mg ions better while having no other issues, such as high electronic conductivity or electrochemical instability. With a wide range of materials that have already been investigated and a vast array with potential that remains untapped, it is essential to keep updated on this rapidly expanding field. This minireview aims to identify emerging Mg-ion conductors that can serve as promising candidates for SSEs, as well as to review methods for enhancing the relevant properties of established materials. We highlight the new materials and methods investigated in the last 2–3 years that are yet to be covered in a review. An exciting new area of emerging research is highlighted, utilizing machine learning and high-throughput materials screening and calculations to identify promising inorganic Mg-ion conductors from materials databases.

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Popular Summary

This Review discusses recent developments in the exploration of inorganic materials candidates for solid-state electrolytes in magnesium-ion batteries. Mg-based batteries with solid-state electrolytes are a promising alternative to the current lithium-based technology. However, among the studied materials, only a few Mg-ion conductors can achieve superionic conductivity at room temperature. Researchers are seeking materials that can conduct Mg ions more effectively while avoiding other issues, such as high electronic conductivity and electrochemical instability. Considering the wide range of materials that have already been investigated and the vast array that remain unexplored, it is essential to stay updated on this rapidly expanding field. In this Review, the authors highlight emerging materials and methods investigated in the last 2-3 years. The latest materials are categorized alongside previously promising Mg-ion conductors, with a critical review of their structure-property relationships and ionic diffusion mechanisms. The work highlights approaches that utilize machine learning and high-throughput screening for the discovery of candidate materials. By elevating promising Mg-ion conductors, this work identifies materials that require further characterization, and it proposes methods to enhance the properties of established Mg-ion conductors.

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PRX Energy 5, 027001– Published 16 April, 2026
  • Received 30 December 2025
  • Revised 8 March 2026
  • Accepted 17 March 2026
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