The effects of mechanical alloying on the self-discharge and corrosion behavior in Zn-air batteries

•Zn–Bi alloys were, for the first time, prepared using a mechanical process for Zn-air batteries.•Mechanical milling time and Bi ratio were optimized to enhance the discharge retention rate.•99.50% of discharge retention rate was achieved with a 6h milled anode containing 2wt% of Bi.•H2 gas evolution and corrosion reaction were effectively suppressed by attempted Zn–Bi alloys.