###### Abstract  
The main drawback of seawater batteries that use the aluminum (Al)-air system is their susceptibility to anode self-corrosion during the oxygen evolution reaction, which, in turn, affects their discharge performance. This study consist of an electrochemical investigation of pure Al, 6061 Al alloy, and both types coated with zinc as an anode in a 3.5% sodium chloride (NaCl) electrolyte. The electrolyte solution used for the deposition of zinc metal contained citrate, with and without EDTA as a complex agent. Subsequently, the performance of the anode was tested in a seawater battery, using a carbon@MnO\({}_{2}\) cathode and a 3.5% NaCl electrolyte. The performance of Al-air batteries has been significantly enhanced by applying a process of electrodeposition zinc (Zn) with a citrate deposition electrolyte solution in both pure aluminum and alloy 6061. The performance of the battery was further enhanced by adding EDTA as a chelating agent to the citrate-based electrolyte solution. The Al-air battery with aluminum alloy 6061 with Zn electrodeposition with an additional EDTA as the anode, carbon@MnO\({}_{2}\) as the cathode, and NaCl 3.5% solution as the electrolyte has the highest battery performance, with a specific discharge capacity reaching 414.561 mAh.g\({}^{-1}\) and a specific energy density reaching 0.255 mAh.g\({}^{-1}\), with stable voltage at 0.55 V for 207 h.  
aluminum; coating; electrodeposition; seawater battery +
Footnote †: journal: Applied Sciences  
self-discharge of the aluminum anode in alkaline solutions remains a challenge, affecting the utilization rate [7]. The use of seawater or neutral salts as electrolytes in metal-air batteries is considered a viable and sustainable option, increasing its appeal and potential for future development [8; 9; 10]. Researchers have explored various strategies to address the corrosion of aluminum anodes in alkaline solutions, including inhibiting self-corrosion through different methods [11]. Furthermore, the use of additives such as L-cysteine/zinc oxide has been determined to influence the electrochemical behavior of pure aluminum in alkaline solutions [7]. Furthermore, the formation of protective layers on the surface of the aluminum anode has been proposed as a means of effectively inhibiting corrosion [12]. In pursuit of more efficient and safer battery systems, the development of alternative battery technologies with improved safety and cost effectiveness is a significant area of focus [13]. Studies have also examined the impact of electrolyte additives, such as agar, on the performance of aluminum-air batteries [14]. Furthermore, the synergistic effect of different compounds, such as potassium sodium tartrate tetrahydrate and sodium stannate trihydrate, has been explored to inhibit aluminum self-corrosion in alkaline aluminum-air batteries [15]. The use of commercial-grade aluminum as an anode material in high-power discharge conditions in Al-air batteries has been supported by various studies. Commercial grade aluminum has been found to exhibit higher open-circuit potential and corrosion rates compared to pure-grade aluminum, making it a viable and cost-effective option for such applications [16]. Efforts to suppress parasitic corrosion in aluminum-air batteries include doping high-purity-grade aluminum with specific alloying elements and introducing corrosion inhibitors into the electrolyte [17]. Studies have shown that aluminum corrosion behavior can be influenced by various factors, such as the presence of alloying elements such as magnesium (Mg) and silicon (Si), which can affect corrosion rates in different environments [18]. Furthermore, atmospheric conditions, including the presence of chloride and sulfate ions, can significantly affect the corrosion rate of aluminum [17; 19]. The addition of certain additives, such as L-Cysteine/zinc oxide, has been found to influence the electrochemical behavior of aluminum in alkaline solutions, potentially affecting its corrosion properties [7].