Electrochemical formation and phase control of Mg–Li alloys

The electrochemical formation of Mg–Li alloys was investigated in a molten LiCl–KCl (58–42 mol%) eutectic melt at 723 K. The cyclic voltammogram for a Mo electrode showed that the electroreduction of Li+ proceeds in a single step and the deposition potential of Li metal was −2.40 V (vs. Ag/AgCl). For Mg electrode, the electroreduction of Li+ takes place at less cathodic potential than that at the Mo electrode which was caused by the formation of Mg–Li alloys. Phase of the deposited Mg–Li alloys could be controlled by the electrolysis potential, and the samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that α-Mg and β-Li phases were obtained at −2.35 and −2.55 V, respectively.