A novel insight into the enhanced electrochemical performance of Mg-air battery in mixed aqueous and organic electrolytes

A new strategy of utilizing mixtures of ethanol and complexing agents on Mg-air battery is investigated systematically. The presence of ethanol promotes formation of a dense inner layer with a high portion of oxide in the discharge film, leading to significantly enhanced utilization efficiency. The highest utilization efficiency of Mg anode has been increased from 53.6 % to 85.7 % and the discharge potential is decreased 300 mV, when discharges in mixed electrolyte. The adsorption/deposition of S-like species on metal surface is evidenced in ethanol and 5-sulfosalicylate acid containing solution, resulting in inhibition of the hydroxide-rich outer layer growth.