Effect of electrochemical hydrogen charging on the microstructure and mechanical behavior of a duplex structured Mg-8wt.%Li alloy

•The hydrogen-induced damage forms of Mg-8%Li alloy includes cracks and pores and the damages mainly occur in α-Mg phase.•The tensile strength and ductility of Mg-8%Li alloy are gradually decreased with the increase of hydrogen charging time.•Thanks to the weak hydrogen-induced damage in β-Li phase, Mg-8%Li alloy has a high resistance to the hydrogen embrittlement.