The role of Al2Gd cuboids in the discharge performance and electrochemical behaviors of AZ31-Gd anode for Mg-air batteries

Abstracts The discharge performance and electrochemical behaviors of as-extruded AZ31-Gd anode for Mg-air batteries have been investigated in detail, in order to discuss the role of Al2Gd particles. The AZ31-Gd anode is an ideal candidate for Mg-air batteries. It can output both high specific capacity and energy density of 1271 mAh·g−1 and 1623 mWh·g−1, respectively at 10 mA·cm−2. The outstanding performance should be due to the cubic Al2Gd particles. They can suppress the hydrogen evolution reaction kinetics and generate the protective surface film to avoid local aggressive consumption of Mg phase during the discharge at small current densities. However, this protective film should be also responsible for the strong cell voltage drop and inferior discharge performance of AZ31-Gd anode at large current densities. The electrochemical behaviors and microstructures characterization have been discussed to connect the discharge performance in details.