Effects of short pulse current on the voltage delay behavior of magnesium battery

Abstract This work highlights the results of a program currently underway to improve the voltage delay of aqueous magnesium (Mg) battery through pulse technique. The effect of current pulse on the electrochemical behavior of AZ31B Mg anode in aqueous solution is investigated using a multi-current step method and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Results indicate that the optimal pulse signal is 25 mA cm−2-100 ms and the excellent discharge behavior can be well maintained even at the 10 days immersion time. The surface morphology and chemical composition of the Mg anode are analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results demonstrate that the elimination of delayed action of the Mg electrode at controlled-pulse condition is to change the surface morphology distribution rather than the chemical composition. Finally, an evolutionary model of the surface film is proposed.