Improved Discharge Performance of Mg-6Al-7Pb Alloy by Microalloying with Ce

Mg-6Al-7Pb (wt.%) alloys with different Ce contents are prepared and their electrochemical discharge performances are measured in this research. Under casting condition, Mg-6Al-7Pb-0.3Ce alloy shows better electrochemical activity than other alloys. Subsequently, the discharge property of Mg-6Al-7Pb-0.3Ce alloy is further enhanced by multi-pass hot rolling. The result is verified by electrochemical tests and morphology observation. Mg2Pb and Al4Ce phases are observed, and fine grains are obtained in as-rolled Mg-6Al-7Pb-0.3Ce alloy. For as-rolled Mg-6Al-7Pb-0.3Ce alloy, the increased discharge performance is attributed to the synergistic effect of the dispersive Al4Ce and Mg2Pb phases. The Mg-air battery based on as-rolled Mg-6Al-7Pb-0.3Ce alloy supplies higher peak power density (102.7 mW·cm-2) than that based on as-rolled Mg-6Al-7Pb anode. Therefore, the as-rolled Mg-6Al-7Pb-0.3Ce alloy is an excellent anode material for Mg-air battery.