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INVESTIGATION OF ELECTROLYTIC PROCESSES FOR PREPARATION OF HIGH PURITY NIOBIUM METAL

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:4176009
An investigation of the electrolytic preparation of niobium by fused salt electrolysis was conducted along two lines. One approach comprised the direct electrolysis of molten K/sub 2/NbF/sub 7/-alkali halide mixtures using an inert graphite anode. High purity, cold-ductile metal was produced by this type of electrolysis under a variety of experimental conditions. A second process which was investigated is the electrorefining of an impure niobium, prepared by a highvacuum, high-temperature reaction of the pentoxide (Nb/sub 2/O/sub 5/) with carbon. In the investigation of the electrorefining phase, difficulty was experienced with oxygen being carried over to the cathode deposit; however, other nonmetallie impurities were successfully eliminated by this procedure. (auth)
Research Organization:
Horizons, Inc., Cleveland
NSA Number:
NSA-14-018117
OSTI ID:
4176009
Report Number(s):
TID-6101
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English