Exploration of the potential activating elements in aluminum-based sacrificial anodes based on the activating mechanisms

Abstract

Based on the five main activation mechanisms, this study explored the potential activating elements in Al-based sacrificial anodes (SAs) combining electrochemical experiments and theoretical calculation. Mn, Y, Zr, Nb, and Ta, aligning with several activation mechanisms, are expected to be the potential activating elements besides the acknowledged activating elements (In, Sn, Ga, Zn, Bi). In addition, the negative shift of potential effect of In to Al matrix is denied both experimentally and theoretically. This study will contribute to establish a comprehensive understanding for the development of Al SAs.

Keywords

• Al-based sacrificial anodes
• Alloying elements
• Activation mechanism
• First principle calculation
• Electrochemical tests