A Trip to Oz and a Peak Behind the Curtain of Magnesium Batteries

The introduction of the Li‐ion battery has revolutionized the electronics industry due to its high energy density. Magnesium batteries may have the potential to exceed the energy densities of Li‐ion batteries. Herein, the major advancements in magnesium electrochemistry and the challenges that must be overcome to realize a practical magnesium battery are discussed. So too are the controversial realities of current magnesium battery research and their implications. The controversial realities of magnesium batteries are discussed, including topics such as the effect of the electrolyte on magnesium dendrite growth, and slow divalent ion diffusion rates. No glass slippers appear to exist for intercalation‐based magnesium battery technology. Instead, focusing research efforts on conversion‐based chemistries and elucidating the maximum nondendritic current densities for magnesium electrolytes is suggested.