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Electrochemical separation of zirconium from hafnium using chloraluminate melts

Journal Article · · Inorg. Chem.; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/ic00139a060· OSTI ID:6131953
This paper reports on the electroreduction of Hf(IV) in chloraluminate melts of similar compositions and on the electrochemical separation of zirconium from hafnium using low-melting chloraluminate melts. Results indicated that the addition of HfCl/sub 4/ to AlCl/sub 3/-NaCl melts (ranging in composition from 50.3 to 52 mol % AlCl/sub 3/) resulted in a poorly defined voltammetric reduction wave that occurs at potentials somewhat more negative than the reduction of Al/sub 2/Cl/sub 7//sup -/. The cyclic voltammograms exhibit either one or two reoxidation peaks depending on the switching potential, concentration of Hf(IV), and melt acidity. The reoxidation peak at more negative potentials (approx.+0.1V with respect to an Al(III)/Al reference electrode in the melt of the same composition) is observed when the Hf(IV) concentration is small compared to that of Al/sub 2/Cl/sub 7//sup -/. The reoxidation peak at more positive potentials (/sub 0/.2V with respect to the same reference electrode) increases with the Hf(IV) concentration.
Research Organization:
Univ. of Tennessee, Knoxville
OSTI ID:
6131953
Journal Information:
Inorg. Chem.; (United States), Journal Name: Inorg. Chem.; (United States) Vol. 21:9; ISSN INOCA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English