A magnesium tetraphenylaluminate battery electrolyte exhibits a wide electrochemical potential window and reduces stainless steel corrosion

Abstract

Using Al(OPh)₃ rather than the typical AlCl₃ with Grignard reagents affords a Mg-ion electrolyte with a reduced chloride content. A 1 : 4 Al(OPh)₃–PhMgCl mixture gives a magnesium tetraphenylaluminate salt that exhibits anodic stability up to 5 V vs. Mg^2+/0 on both platinum and stainless steel working electrodes, and shows much reduced corrosion (pitting) of stainless steel after extended electrolysis at 4.5 V.