"High-occupancy" vehicle (HOV) battery

In lithium-ion batteries, a singly charged lithium atom (or "ion") flows between two electrodes while one electron is contributed to the electrical current in the external circuit. If too many lithium ions are intercalated (inserted between existing atomic layers), the electrode's atomic structure can distort, which usually limits the ability to recharge the battery. In a battery electrode composed of manganese oxide (Mn2O4), magnesium ions with two positive charges (Mg2+) could provide two electrons per intercalated ion—twice the electrical current if present at the same density—without irreversible distortion of the electrode material. This research showed that Mg2+ intercalation into Mn2O4 was extensive and reversible.

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