New magnesium battery design prevents dendrites and recycles itself for a greener future

This study proposes a novel colloid–interface engineering strategy to develop sustainable magnesium-ion (Mg-ion) batteries that balance electrochemical stability with circular material recovery. The research objective was to design a GO–EMIM-TFSI stabilised micellar electrolyte capable of suppressing dendrite growth while enabling low-energy post-use recycling. A combined methodology was employed, integrating physicochemical characterisation (ζ-potential, interfacial tension), electrochemical evaluation (EIS, cycling performance), modelling, and flotation-based recovery assessment. The optimised electrolyte achieved a ζ-potential of −41.3 ± 1.2 mV and reduced the interfacial tension from 41.9 to 18.3 mN m⁻¹, leading to an 89.6% decrease in charge-transfer resistance and a threefold increase in dendrite-suppression time (from ~320 s to 1,020 ± 35 s). Long-term cycling delivered an average Coulombic efficiency of 98.6 ± 0.5% over more than 1,000 cycles. Recycling tests demonstrated 85 ± 3% recovery efficiency, while lifecycle analysis indicated 35% lower water use and 21% reduced CO₂ emissions compared with lithium-ion systems. Model predictions agreed closely with analytical datasets, with deviations below 6%. These findings demonstrate a scalable framework for high-performance, recyclable, and environmentally responsible energy storage. • Colloidal Mg electrolyte suppresses dendrites, extends battery life seven-fold. • Graphene oxide enhances interfacial stability, reducing surface roughness below six nanometers. • Flotation recovery extracts 85% MgO, enabling circular battery material reuse. • Water use drops 35%, CO₂ emissions cut 21% versus lithium-ion cells. • Tomato spoilage reduced from 42% to 9% in solar cold rooms.