On the electrochemical dealloying of Mg-Cu alloys in a NaCl aqueous solution

The dealloying of rapidly solidified Mg-Cu alloys in a 0.2 M NaCl aqueous solution has been investigated using electrochemical measurements. The results show that nanoporous copper can be fabricated by electrochemical dealloying of the Mg-Cu alloys in the NaCl solution. The electrochemical activities of the Mg-Cu alloys are related to both alloy composition and phase constitution. The critical potentials of biphasic Mg-Cu alloys are determined by the less noble Mg2Cu phase, rather than being in proportional to the contents of constitutive phases or elements. Furthermore, the dealloying of Mg2Cu has a promoting effect on that of the MgCu2 phase. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.