Effect of Al and Pb Contents on the Corrosion Electrochemical Properties and Activation of Mg-Al-Pb Alloy Anode

The effect of Al and Pb contents on the corrosion and electrochemical properties of Mg-Al-Pb alloy in 3.5wt% NaCl solution was investigated through immersion tests and electrochemical methods. The results indicate that the existence of Al and Pb can improve the discharge activity of magnesium anode through an activation mechanism of dissolution-reprecipitation, but excessively high content of Al and Pb is detrimental to the enhancement of discharge activity. The composition of Mg-Al-Pb alloy has been optimized, indicating that Mg-9wt% Al-2.5wt% Pb alloy can possibly serve as a good candidate for anode material in seawater activated battery due to its low corrosion rate, good discharge activity and comparatively high utilization efficiency in sodium chloride solution. (C) 2017 The Electrochemical Society.