A comprehensive review of the development of magnesium anodes for primary batteries

Mg alloys are important light structural materials and also are promising energy materials, which supports the Mg-based primary batteries such as the Mg-air battery as the main development direction of the next-generation batteries. This rapidly developing field has attracted an increasing number of research investigations. We review the state-of-the-art of Mg-based anodes, including the fundamental of Mg dissolution for primary batteries, the evaluation systems for discharge performance of the Mg-based anode, the application of contemporary methods for understanding Mg discharge, the influence of alloying and production methods. The recent developments, current opportunities and future directions of research are discussed. The main objective of this review is to help guide new studies that will promote the development of Mg-based anode even further.