Publication date: 15th December 2025
Germanane, an atomically thin germanium allotrope with a graphene-like buckled lattice, has emerged as a promising two-dimensional electrode material for next-generation energy-storage technologies owing to its high theoretical capacity, tuneable surface chemistry, and favourable ion-transport characteristics [1-3]. In parallel, magnesium presents an attractive charge-carrier candidate for multivalent battery systems, offering a divalent redox mechanism, high volumetric capacity, natural abundance, and improved intrinsic safety compared with conventional Li-ion systems. [4]. Building on these motivations, the present work explores the synthesis and electrochemical evaluation of germanane within a GeH-Mg-ion battery configuration.
Zintl phase precursor CaGe2 was synthesised via solid-state reaction, in which stoichiometric Ca and Ge were sealed under inert atmosphere and annealed at 950 °C for 6 hours, yielding CaGe2. Germanane was then obtained via exfoliation using hydrochloric acid, enabling the formation of few-layer sheets with high lateral continuity.
To evaluate their applicability in GeH-Mg-ion systems, the germanene sheets were incorporated as active electrode material in composite films with conductive carbon and a polymeric binder. Electrochemical testing was conducted in two-electrode Mg-ion cells using an active carbon-based counter electrode and a non-nucleophilic magnesium electrolyte. Preliminary electrochemical studies, including galvanostatic cycling, rate-capability measurements, and impedance analysis, are currently being carried out on germanene-based electrodes in Mg-ion coin cells to assess their Mg²⁺ insertion behaviour and overall performance.
This study highlights the viability of germanene as an electrode for emerging multivalent battery chemistries. The combination of controllable synthesis, structural stability, and promising Mg-ion electrochemical response positions germanene as a compelling platform for further optimisation.
This work was finnanced by the Czech Science Foundation (GACR No. 25-17624S).
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