Express and low-cost microwave synthesis of the ternary Chevrel phase Cu2Mo6S8 for application in rechargeable magnesium batteries

The ternary Chevrel phase Cu2Mo6S8 was successfully synthetized using a simple and cost-effective solid-state microwave-assisted reaction. While solid-state routes require days of high-temperature treatment under inert atmosphere, highly pure and crystalline Cu2Mo6S8 could be obtained in only 400 s from this precursor, the Chevrel binary phase Mo6S8 was then obtained by copper removal through acidic leaching, and was evaluated as a positive electrode material for Mg-battery. The electrochemical performance in half-cell configuration shows reversible capacity exceeding 80 mAh/g, which is comparable to previous works carried out with materials synthesized by conventional high-temperature solid-state routes.