Title: Microstructure and electrochemical properties of Al 5Zn 0.2Sn 0.2Bi xSb as a novel electrode for batteries applications

Abstract

In the present research, the corrosion characteristics and discharge properties of Al–Zn-Sn-Bi-xSb alloy as novel anodes for batteries applications have been examined in 4 M KOH solution. All anodes have been prepared from pure metals (Al, Zn, Sn, Bi and Sb) via stir casting method. Optical microscopy, scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) attached with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy unit (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), immersion testing and different electro-chemical methods have been applied to investigate the microstructure, morphology and the electrochemical properties of the fabricated ingots. The outcomes illustrated that additions of Sn, Bi and Sb to Al-5Zn alloy refine the grains and give higher corrosion resistance and discharge performance than Al-5Zn anode. Further, the outcomes revealed that increasing Sb content reduces the amount of Al-13Zn intermetallic precipitates and increases the solubility of Zn in α-Al matrix, causing a reduction in hydrogen release reaction of anodes.