Electrochemistry of MgCl2 in LiCl-KCl eutectic melts

Abstract

The electrochemical behavior and thermodynamic properties of MgCl2 dissolved in LiCl-KCl eutectic melts in the temperature range of 723-908 K were investigated. Cyclic and square wave voltammetry experiments indicated that the reduction of Mg ions into Mg metal occurred in a single step and involved exchange of two electrons. The diffusion coefficient (D) of Mg(II) was determined by the Berzins-Delahay equation and the Arrhenius law was validated by plotting lgD versus T-1 for the reduction of Mg(II). Open circuit chronopotentiometry was used to determine the equilibrium potential of Mg(II)/Mg(0). The standard apparent potentials of the Mg(II)/Mg(0) system and the activity coefficients of Mg(II) in LiCl-KCl eutectic melts based on a pure supercool reference state were calculated at several temperatures. © Editorial office of Acta Physico-Chimica Sinica.