Performance of Al–1Mg–1Zn–0.1Bi–0.02In as anode for the Al–AgO battery

Abstract

In this study, an Al–AgO battery based on Al and Al–1Mg–1Zn–0.1Bi–0.02In (wt%) was prepared and the battery performance was investigated by a constant current discharge test in 4 M NaOH and 7 M KOH solutions. The characterizations of the aluminum anodes after discharge were investigated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The corrosion behavior of the anodes were studied using measurements of self-corrosion, potentiodynamic polarization and EIS experiment accompanied with open circuit potential techniques and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results show that Al–1Mg–1Zn–0.1Bi–0.02In is more active than the Al anode, and compared with Al, the alloy has the lower self-corrosion rate in both applied electrolyte solutions. It has been observed that the Al–AgO battery based on Al–1Mg–1Zn–0.1Bi–0.02In offers higher operating voltage and anodic utilization than those with pure Al. At a current density of 50 mA cm⁻², the operation voltage of the Al–AgO battery is 2.04 V and the anodic utilization rate is 69.95% in 7 M KOH solution.