Micro-Arc Oxidation of Magnesium-Based Anodes for Air-Battery Applications: A Review

Haoteng Mao; Yang Shao; Wenbo Du; Feiyi Wu; Xiaoxiao Zhao; Zhaozhong Qiu

doi:10.54691/c8g1mw82

Authors

Haoteng Mao School of Materials and Chemical Engineering, Xuzhou Institute of Technology, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221018, China
Yang Shao School of Materials and Chemical Engineering, Xuzhou Institute of Technology, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221018, China
Wenbo Du School of Materials and Chemical Engineering, Xuzhou Institute of Technology, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221018, China
Feiyi Wu School of Materials and Chemical Engineering, Xuzhou Institute of Technology, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221018, China
Xiaoxiao Zhao School of Transportation Engineering, Jiangsu University of Architectural Technology, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221116, China
Zhaozhong Qiu School of Materials and Chemical Engineering, Xuzhou Institute of Technology, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221018, China

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54691/c8g1mw82

Keywords:

Micro-arc Oxidation; Magnesium-air Battery; Magnesium Anode; Corrosion Protection; Composite Coating.

Abstract

Magnesium-air batteries are promising low-cost energy systems because of the abundance, high theoretical energy density, and relative safety of magnesium. However, their practical application is limited by severe self-corrosion of the magnesium anode, hydrogen evolution, and the formation of insulating discharge products that increase polarization and reduce anode utilization. This review discusses micro-arc oxidation (MAO), also known as plasma electrolytic oxidation, as a surface-engineering strategy for magnesium-based air-battery anodes. MAO coatings can form ceramic oxide layers that suppress electrolyte penetration, regulate interfacial reactions, and improve corrosion resistance. The review summarizes the working principles of magnesium-air batteries, the formation mechanism and structure of MAO coatings, and the effects of electrolyte additives, electrical parameters, substrate pretreatment, and composite sealing strategies. Remaining challenges, including coating uniformity, long-term stability, self-discharge, process cost, and the balance between protection and discharge activity, are analyzed. The review emphasizes that although MAO shows promise for Mg-air anodes, more battery-specific testing is required to verify its practical effectiveness.

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