Microstructure effects on the electrochemical corrosion properties of Mg-4.1% Ga-2.2% Hg alloy as the anode for seawater-activated batteries

Mg-Ga-Hg alloy is a new material with special electrochemical corrosion properties that make it ideal for use in seawater-activated battery anodes. The effects of microstructure and phase transformation on the electrochemical properties of the Mg - 4.1% Ga - 2.2% Hg alloy were studied and compared with Mg-Al system alloys. The results show that the Mg - 4.1% Ga - 2.2% Hg alloy, when used as an anode, has an appropriate corrosion potential in a half-cell test and superior electrochemical properties in a single cell assembled with CuCl. The Mg3Hg and Mg21Hg5Ga3 phases of the alloy influence its corrosion behaviour and provide a steady corrosion potential during the discharge process. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.