Review—Concentration Measurements In Molten Chloride Salts Using Electrochemical Methods

Abstract

The electrochemical measurement of concentration in molten chloride salts is a valuable tool for the control of existing and potential industrial processes, recycling of precious materials and energy production. The electrochemical techniques commonly used to measure concentration and each techniques’ associated theory are discussed. Practices which improve measurement accuracy and precision are set forth. Exceptionally accurate and precise measurements published in the literature are evaluated based on their performance in specified concentration ranges. The strengths and weaknesses of the most accurate measurements are briefly explored. Chronopotentiometry (CP) and square wave voltammetry (SWV) are accurate and precise with low concentration measurements. SWV was accurate at low concentrations, even in multi-analyte mixtures. CP was accurate for only single analyte mixtures. Open-circuit potentiometry (OCP) is accurate and precise in single-analyte mixtures but yields large errors in multianalyte mixtures. Cyclic voltammetry (CV), chronoamperometry (CA) and normal pulse voltammetry (NPV) are accurate and precise across all concentration ranges. NPV is exceptionally well suited for measurements in melts with multiple electroactive species.