Meallization from neodymium (III) compound by chemical and electrowinning process

Abstract

This study deals with research on the reduction process of neodymium compounds by electrochemical process. Neodymium fluoride was synthesized from neodymium oxide by chemical reaction, thus prepared neodymium fluoride was used for feed stock of electrolyte for electrowinning based on lithium fluoride electrolyte. Electrochemical properties of neodymium were measured according to the concentration of neodymium ion by cyclic voltammetry at 1050°C. The performance of the electrowinnig cell was evaluated by chronopotentiometry. Neodymium metal is deposited from electrolyte to cathode. Composition and morphology of the deposits was investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Neodymium metal was deposited by molten salt electrorwinning process.