Electrodeposition of aluminum on magnesium alloy in aluminum chloride (AlCl3)–1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (EMIC) ionic liquid and its corrosion behavior

A dense and adhesive Al layer was successfully electrodeposited on a Mg alloy in aluminum chloride–1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ionic liquid. The corrosion resistance of the uncoated and Al-coated samples was evaluated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and potentiodynamic polarization measurements in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution. It was confirmed that the protective Al layer significantly reduces the corrosion rate of the Mg alloy. However, the deposition potential was a crucial factor that governed the structure and therefore the protection capability of the Al layer.