Electrochemical Codeposition of Quaternary Mg-Li-Ce-La Alloys from Molten Salt.

This article presents a novel study on electrochemical codeposition of Mg-Li-Ce-La alloys on a molybdenum in LiCl-KCl-MgCl-KF melts containing RE(CO) (rich in cerium) at a temperature range of 953 K to 1073 K (680 °C to 800 °C). The cyclic voltammetry proved the feasibility of the production of the alloys. The factors that affect the current efficiency were investigated. The optimal electrolytic temperature and cathodic current density was 1023 K (750 °C) and 15.9 A·cm, respectively. The chemical content, phases, morphology, and distribution of alloy elements were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. The intermetallic compounds between Mg and Ce (La) distribute in the grain boundary of the alloys, present as reticulate structures, and refine the grains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]