Electrochemical formation of La-Al intermetallic compounds in fluoride melts

The electrochemical formation of La-Al alloys in LiF-CaF2 molten salt on a molybdenum electrode at 1123 K was investigated by electrochemical techniques, such as cyclic voltammetry, square-wave voltammetry and open-circuit chronopotentiometry. The formation signals of four types of Al-La intermetallic compounds were observed. The Al-La alloy was obtained through galvanostatic electrolysis at 2.5 A & BULL;cm(-2) for 3 h. The phase composition and microstructure of the electrolytic products were analysed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). XRD results show that the phase compositions of the alloys are Al11La3 and Al, and EDS results reveal 26.7 at% La in the alloy.

Automated summary

The electrochemical formation of La-Al alloys in LiF-CaF2 molten salt was investigated using various electrochemical techniques. The results showed the presence of four types of Al-La intermetallic compounds. An Al-La alloy was obtained through galvanostatic electrolysis. Analysis of the electrolytic products using XRD and EDS revealed the phase composition and microstructure of the alloys.