Discharge behavior of Mg-Zn-Er ternary alloys containing various second phases as anodes for primary Mg-air batteries

In this study, as-cast Mg-Zn-Er ternary alloys with varied compositions and Zn/Er ratios were prepared to elucidate how microstructure governs the anode discharge behavior in primary Mg-air batteries. Alloying-induced grain refinement and variations in second phase morphology markedly influenced electrochemical performance. The quasi-crystalline I-phase and face-centered cubic W-phase exhibited different electrochemical interactions with the matrix. Owing to the finely dispersed I-phase which facilitated uniform matrix dissolution and smooth discharge morphology evolution, Mg-2Zn-0.25Er demonstrated the most favorable discharge characteristics among the alloys investigated, delivering an anode utilization efficiency of 57.1 % and a discharge capacity of 1256.3 mAh·g⁻¹ at 50 mA·cm⁻², along with a discharge energy density of 1356.6 mWh·g⁻¹ at 10 mA·cm⁻².

Duke Scholars

Author Zhaohui Wang Pathology