Electrochemical Behavior of the Magnesium Anode

The anodic transient behavior of magnesium in aqueous environments is studied under controlled conditions. The steady‐state behavior as reported by other investigators is reviewed, and pertinent additional observations are reported. A unified explanation of the aqueous electrochemical behavior of magnesium based on the concept that the inherent high reactivity of magnesium is masked by a highly protective film is presented. The unusual characteristics exhibited by the magnesium anode in many environments (invariance of steady‐state working potential, "negative difference effect," and transient behavior) are related to processes leading to damage or repair of this film.