Electrodeposition of Iron from Molten Mixed Chloride/Fluoride Electrolytes

Abstract

The electrochemical behaviour of dissolved Fe2O3 and the electrodeposition of iron in molten CaCl2-CaF2 (80-20 mol %) and other mixed chloride/fluoride electrolytes was studied at 827 {degree sign}C and 890 {degree sign}C by cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry and galvanostatic electrolysis, and deposits were characterized by XRD and SEM. Pure iron was obtained in these melts at current efficiencies greater than 90 %. High cathodic current densities (~0.5 A cm2) were achieved by using a rotating cathode. The work is related to studies of the possible development of new processes for the production of iron and steel with large reductions of CO2 emissions.