Molecular Dynamics Simulation Study of the Effect of Ni, Fe, Cu on Cryolite Molten Salt System 78% Na3AlF6-9.5%AlF3-5.0%CaF2-7.5%-Al2O3

Abstract

The effect of different additives Ni, Fe, Cu on the structure and properties of electrolyte system 78% Na3AlF6- -9.5%AlF3-5.0%CaF2-7.5%Al2O3 at 1200K and 1.01Mpa was studied by molecular dynamics method. The radial distribution function, coordination number, diffusion coefficient, conductivity, and viscosity of the system were discussed in detail. The results demonstrated that the order of the self-diffusion coefficient of ions in the electrolyte system is: Na+ > F- > O2- > Ca2+ >Al3+. The addition of Ni and Fe connected the free aluminum composite ion groups in the system through fluorine bridges, which enhanced the interaction between Al3+ and Al3+. The addition of Cu weakened the interaction between Al3 + and Al3+ and the F-. The interaction between Al3+ and Na+, [AlF7]4- ionic groups might appeared in the melt system. After adding NiO, Fe2O3, and Cu, the electrical conductivity of the system increased, and the viscosity decreased. The research work revealed the influence of Ni, Fe, Cu on the ion existence form, mobility, inter-ion interaction and diffusion mechanism of cryolite molten salt system, which has important guiding significance for aluminum electrolysis production.