Corrosion of Mg Alloys
Mg and Mg alloys are promising lightweight materials for various applications. However, due to the low electrochemical potential (-2.37 V vs SHE) and high reactivity of Mg, Mg alloys are prone to corrosion and oxidation during service. In our group, by combining electrochemical analysis and microstructure characterization techniques, the unique corrosion behavior of Mg alloys are studied from the fundamentals. These understandings can pave the pathways for future Mg alloy design with desired corrosion resistance.

Biodegradable Mg Alloys
The corrosion tendency of Mg alloys is not always a killer. Combining with the biocompatibility of Mg and similar mechanical properties to bones, Mg alloys can be used as biodegradable orthopedic implants to avoid second removal surgery. Controlling the corrosion rate of these implants would be the key to a successful biomaterial development. In our group, the degradation/passivation behavior and various coating techniques of the bioMg alloys were studied thoroughly in simulated physiological environments. Understanding of corrosion behavior, passivation film microstructure, and coating performance could help us optimize the degradation rate of the bio-Mg alloys. (Picture on the right shows screws of Mg alloy designed as biodegradable implants, courtesy of Dr. Ray Decker from nanoMAG.)

Mg Metal Battery Systems
Combining high theoretical energy density, low cost, environment-friendliness, and high safety, Mg-metal based batteries emerge as one of the candidates for “beyond Li-ion” battery systems. However, the sluggish reaction kinetics on both anode and cathode and poor cycle life limit the widespread of this novel battery system. In our group, by analyzing the charging/discharging behavior of Mg metal anode and different cathodes with microscopic insights, next-generation high performance Mg-metal battery systems can be developed with careful design and selection of electrode/electrolyte combinations.

Correlative Electrochemical Analysis
and Microscopic Characterizations
In our group, in situ microscopic observations during electrochemical tests are one of the powerful tools for us to identify key microstructure features of the alloy to be further analyzed. Powered by site-specific microscopic techniques, details about the morphology, structure, and chemistry of the reaction products and resulting alloy microstructure can be characterized, which provides robust microscopic evidence for the electrochemical models.

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Collaborations:

Department of Engineering and System Science, National Tsing Hua University, Taiwan