Improving the electrochemical behaviors and discharge performance of as-rolled Mg-4Li alloys through multicomponent alloying

•Electrochemical behavior and discharge properties of as-rolled Mg-4Li alloys are improved through multiple microalloying.•The corrosion resistance of as-rolled Mg-4Li-3Al-1Si-0.5Y alloy originates from the protective effect of Mg(OH)2 and Li2CO3.•The fracture of Mg2Si phase can accelerate the shedding of discharge products and optimize the discharge performance.•A model of the as-rolled LASW4310 anode discharged in 3.5 wt% NaCl is proposed.