Author: Naveed Ashraf (University of Iceland) - Lithium batteries are the most widely used type of rechargeable batteries on the market, but their production process is both expensive and environmentally detrimental. With continuously increasing demand and soaring prices, the search for alternative rechargeable batteries is crucial. A potential solution to this problem is the search for and development of alternative metal-ion batteries with similar performance to those using lithium. This work investigates the performance of a novel type of metal-ion battery based on borophene and graphene (B/G). The B/G interface reveals metallic properties and profound covalent interaction between layers. We examined B/G heterostructures for metal and alkali ion batteries, including adsorption energy, charging capacity, open circuit voltage, and diffusion barrier energy. The comparative analysis of metallic and alkali ions for battery applications reveals that metal ion batteries exhibit greater promise than alkali ion batteries, with charging capacities of 1898 mAh/g for Mg ions, respectively, while alkali ions Li and Na show charging capacities of 1160 and 791 mAh/g, respectively. The substantial adsorption energies of ions, diffusion barrier, adequate open circuit voltage, and enhanced charging capabilities render the B/G heterostructure exemplary for battery anodes.
