Electrochemical Performance of Al-Mg-Sn Based Alloys as Anode for Al-Air Battery

Four Al-air battery anodes were prepared, with the anode composition being Al-0.5Mg-0.1Sn-0.02In (-0.1Si) and Al-0.5Mg-0.1Sn-0.02Ga (-0.1Si) (wt%) respectively. The corrosion behavior and the battery performance were investigated using two different solutions of 2 M NaCl and 4 M NaOH. The results obtained show that Al-0.5Mg-0.1Sn-0.02Ga-0.1Si alloy has a higher electrochemical performance in the 2 M NaCl solution, while Al-0.5 Mg-0.1Sn-0.02In-0.1Si alloy shows a better electrochemical performance in the 4 M NaOH solution. The addition of Si as alloying component to Al-0.5Mg-0.1 Sn based alloy decreases the self-corrosion rate and increases the anode utilization. SEM and EIS results of the alloys are in good agreement with electrochemical characteristics. (C) 2016 The Electrochemical Society. All rights reserved.