The electrodeposition of magnesium using solutions of organomagnesium halides, amidomagnesium halides and magnesium organoborates

The electrochemical behaviour of three groups of electrolyte systems having the ability of electrochemical magnesium deposition, were investigated against the background of galvanotechnical or battery application. Solutions of organomagnesium halides, amidomagnesium halides and magnesium organoborates dissolved in tetrahydrofuran were characterized in terms of conductivity, reversibility of the magnesium deposition process and stability of the electrolytes versus irreversible oxidation. Furthermore the open circuit potential of a magnesium electrode in contact with these electrolytes was measured versus a Ag/Ag+ reference electrode. A high reoxidation efficiency was found for magnesium electrodeposited from solutions of organomagnesium halides and amidomagnesium halides. The solutions of magnesium organoborates were superior in terms of electrical conductivity and oxidation stability, the process of magnesium electrodeposition and reoxidation, however turned out to be poor. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.