Self-corrosion, electrochemical and discharge behavior of commercial purity Al anode via Mn modification in Al-air battery

Abstract

The self-corrosion, electrochemical and discharge behavior of commercial purity Al anode via Mn modification in Al–air battery was studied by the hydrogen evolution, weight loss, electrical conductivity, electrochemical and discharge tests. Results show that the synergetic effects of the dissolved Mn and Mn-modifying Al3Fe intermetallic decrease the weight loss and inhibit the hydrogen evolution of commercial purity Al in NaOH solution when minor Mn is introduced. However, more Mn addition leads to the formation of Al6Mn intermetallic, which has little effect on the weight loss, but accelerates the hydrogen evolution. Mn introduction plays a positive role in activating Al anodes, resulting in a decrease in the anodic polarization and an increase in the discharge voltage. Among all the commercial purity Al–xMn anodes, 0.1 wt% Mn addition exhibits the best discharge efficiency for Al–air battery.