The composition, microstructure and corrosion behavior of Al-Mg-Ga-In-Sn alloy in cast and heat-treatment were investigated by XRD (X-ray diffraction), SEM (scanning electron microscope) and EDS (energy dispersive spectrometer). The hydrogen evolution parameters, and the electrochemical properties based on different heat-treatment parameters conditions and immersion temperature were also tested. As the heat-treated temperature increased, the second phases were found to be spheroidizing or ellipsoidal shape due to the diffusion and solid solution. The reaction can be divided into three stages: i) the amalgamation initial stage; ii) the micro-galvanic reaction for propagation corrosion; the dissolution-precipitation reaction for uniform corrosion. The hydrolysis rate reached the maximum value when the sample was annealed at temperature of 500 degrees C for 9 h. The hydrogen generation rate and the open electrochemical potential of the activated aluminum under water are both depending on heat treatment time, heat treatment temperature, and reaction temperature. A corrosion mechanism was also proposed in which Mg2Sn and eutectic phase acted as the induction reaction stage during hydrolysis reaction. (C) 2017 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.