ELECTROLYSIS OF MgF$sub 2$

Technical Report · Sun Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1961

OSTI ID:4022499

Shaw, W E

An investigation into the electrolysis of MgF/sub 2/ was undertaken in an attempt to recover usable values from MgF/sub 2/ slag, a by-product in the production of uranium metal. It was hoped to obtain magnesium metal for use as a reductant of UF/sub 4/ and a fluoride value, either HF or F/sub 2/, for use in producing UF/sub 4/. Since the by-product slag also contained a small amount of uranium, it was hoped to concentrate this value in the cell residue to make its recovery easier. The electrolytic techniques employed were patterned after some now in commercial use. The cell design was originally based on the type used in the electrolysis of MgCl/sub 2/. A number of anode configurations and anode materials were employed during the tests. The cathode throughout the experiment was the cell crucible. The first electrolyte used was the binary eutectic of MgF/ sub 2/ and CaF. Later, to obtain a lower melting point, LiF/sub 2/ was added tc this bath. This ternary eutectic permitted the satisfactory collection of magnesium metal. The anode product, fluorine, generally attacked the anode to form fluorides of the anode material. The use of hydrogen-saturaesd anodes tended to protect the anode and yielded HF, one of the desired products. Uranium values were concentrated in the cell sludge in early experiments, but in later stages, when convection currents were present, concentration was poor. (auth)

• Research Organization: National Lead Co. of Ohio. Cincinnati
• NSA Number: NSA-15-024897
• OSTI ID: 4022499
• Report Number(s): NLCO-827
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

ANODES
CALCIUM FLUORIDES
CATHODES
CHEMISTRY
CRUCIBLES
ELECTROLYSIS
ELECTROLYTES
ELECTROLYTIC CELLS
FLUORINE
HYDROGEN
HYDROGEN FLUORIDES
LITHIUM FLUORIDES
MAGNESIUM FLUORIDES
MELTING
METALS
PRODUCTION
RECOVERY
SLAGS
URANIUM
URANIUM TETRAFLUORIDE