Effect of Heat Treatment on Electrochemical Properties of Mg–9 wt.%Al–2.5 wt.%Pb Alloy in Sodium Chloride Solution

Mg–Al–Pb alloy can serve as a good candidate for the anode material in seawater-activated batteries. The effect of solution and aging treatment on electrochemical properties of Mg–9 wt.%Al–2.5 wt.%Pb alloy in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution was investigated through scanning electron microscopy and electrochemical tests. The results indicate that the discharge activity of Mg–9 wt.%Al–2.5 wt.%Pb alloy decreases after solution treatment, although its anodic efficiency increases slightly. In contrast, its discharge performance and anodic efficiency, which are crucial for the application of batteries, are both enhanced after aging at 200°C for 12 h.