Investigations on solid state rechargeable magnesium batteries are consider
ed important similar to lithium batteries. In view of negligible hazards an
d less reactivity of the magnesium, in comparison with lithium, studies on
rechargeable magnesium batteries are expected to have a wide scope in futur
e. Solid polymer electrolytes, which conduct Mg2+ ions and reversibility of
a Mg/Mg2+ couple are essential components of the studies. In the present i
nvestigations, the existence of reversibility of a Mg/Mg2+ couple in a gel
polymer electrolyte (GPE) medium is established for the first time in liter
ature. Results obtained by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and cycli
c voltammetry on Mg/GPE/Mg, SS/GPE/SS symmetrical cells show evidence for t
he reversibility. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.