We investigate the influence of silica sol addition on the ceramic coatings of Mg-Li alloy by plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) in an alkaline silicate electrolyte. Scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and energy dispersive spectroscopy are employed to characterize the microstructure and composition of the ceramic coatings. The anti-corrosion behavior of the ceramic coatings is evaluated by potentiodynamic polarization measurements in conjunction with electrochemical impedance analysis. The ceramic coating formed in the electrolyte containing silica sol contains SiO 2 and Mg 2 SiO 4 phase and has more uniform morphology and higher corrosion resistance than that formed in the electrolyte without addition of silica sol.