A new graphene nanocomposite to improve the electrochemical properties of magnesium-based amorphous alloy

• Graphene/Ag nanocomposite has been prepared successfully.
• The performance of electrode is improved significantly by surface modification.
• The modified electrode exhibits a maximum discharge capacity (814 mAh g−1) at RT.

A new graphene/Ag nanohybrid nanocomposite additive was prepared successfully through solvothermal method using ethylene glycol as solvent and reducing agent. The effects of surface modification of amorphous Mg–Ni–La alloy by introduction of graphene/Ag have been systematically investigated. The results showed that the discharge capacity, cycle life, discharge potential characteristics and electrochemical kinetics of the electrodes were all improved significantly. The surface modification enhanced the electrocatalytic activity of the alloy and reduced the contact resistance of the electrodes. The Mg65Ni27La8 with graphene/Ag electrode has the largest discharge capacity of 814.8 mAh g−1, which is 1.33 times that of the electrode without graphene/Ag, and the better electrochemical kinetics.

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