Preparation of a novel robustness mineralized layer on surface of AZ80-0.38Nd (wt. %) alloy and investigation of its properties

•A novel robustness mineralized layer was constructed on surface of AZ80-0.38Nd (wt. %) alloy.•The mineralized layer was securely fixed to the substrate and exhibited outstanding robustness.•The robustness mineralized layer mainly consisted of rod-like structure MgCO3·3H2O and flake structure 4MgCO3⋅Mg(OH)2·4H2O.•The robustness mineralized layer shows self-healing ability once cracking due to its high performance for carbon dioxide capture.