Article: Production of niobium powder by direct electrochemical reduction of solid Nb(2)O(5) in a eutectic CaCI(2)-NaCI melt

The method of electro-deoxidation was used to reduce solid Nb^sub 2^O^sub 5^ to niobium metal in a CaCl^sub 2^NaCl eutectic melt. The direct electrochemical reduction of Nb^sub 2^O^sub 5^ was achieved by electrolysis in the eutectic melt at 1123 and 1173 K, respectively, at a controlled potential of 3.1 V, below the decomposition potential of the salts. Analysis of the anodic reaction gases carried by a flow of dry, high-purity argon confirmed that the preferred cathodic reaction is the oxygen ionization of the cathode to form oxygen ions that are successively dissolved in the chloride melt and then discharged at the graphite-rod anode. Chlorine ions are unlikely to be discharged at the ...

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