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Abstract Rechargeable Mg batteries are a promising energy storage technology to overcome the limitations inherent to Li ion batteries. A critical challenge in advancing Mg batteries is the lack of suitable cathode materials. In this work, we report a cathode design that incorporates S functionality into two‐dimensional metal‐organic‐frameworks (2D‐MOFs). This new cathode material enables good Mg²⁺storage capacity and outstanding cyclability. It was found that upon the initial Mg²⁺insertion and disinsertion, there is an apparent structural transformation that crumbles the layered 2D framework, leading to amorphization. The resulting material serves as the active material to host Mg²⁺through reduction and/or oxidation of S and, to a limited extent, O. The reversible nature of S and O redox chemistry was confirmed by spectroscopic characterizations and validated by density functional calculations. Importantly, during the Mg²⁺insertion and disinsertion process, the 2D nature of the framework was maintained, which plays a key role in enabling the high reversibility of the MOF cathode. 

Abstract Mg‐S batteries hold great promise as a potential alternative to Li‐based technologies. Their further development hinges on solving a few key challenges, including the lower capacity and poorer cycling performance when compared to Li counterparts. At the heart of the issues is the lack of knowledge on polysulfide chemical behaviors in the Mg‐S battery environment. In this Review, a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of polysulfide behaviors in Mg‐S batteries is provided. First, a systematic summary of experimental and computational techniques for polysulfide characterization is provided. Next, conversion pathways for Mg polysulfide species within the battery environment are discussed, highlighting the important role of polysulfide solubility in determining reaction kinetics and overall battery performance. The focus then shifts to the negative effects of polysulfide shuttling on Mg‐S batteries. The authors outline various strategies for achieving an optimal balance between polysulfide solubility and shuttling, including the use of electrolyte additives, polysulfide‐trapping materials, and dual‐functional catalysts. Based on the current understanding, the directions for further advancing knowledge of Mg polysulfide chemistry are identified, emphasizing the integration of experiment with computation as a powerful approach to accelerate the development of Mg‐S battery technology.