Electrochemical Dissolution Process of Tungsten Carbide in Low Temperature Molten Salt System

Tungsten was extracted from LiCl-KCl-Li2WO4 molten salt with tungsten carbide as soluble anode, and its electrochemical dissolution was studied. Although the fused salt electrochemical method has the advantages of short process and easy operation of the equipment, there are some problems in the current electrolysis process, such as higher electrolysis temperature, high energy consumption and complex composition of the products, in order to reduce the electrolysis temperature and energy consumption, tungsten was extracted by LiCl-KCl-Li2WO4 molten salt system at 400-600°C. In addition, compared with the blank salt electrolysis, the addition of Li2WO4 as the active material makes the reaction more likely to occur, and improves the dissolution efficiency and the current efficiency. Through a series of electrochemical tests, it is proved that adding Li2WO4 decreases the charge transfer resistance, speeds up the reaction and studies the oxidation-reduction process of tungsten ion in tungstate, it is proved that the redox process is a reversible process controlled by diffusion. Clusters of spherical tungsten powders were prepared at 500℃ by changing the experimental parameters to obtain the optimal conditions.

Study on the Behavior of Electrochemical Extraction of Cobalt from Spent Lithium Cobalt Oxide Cathode Materials

The molten salt electrochemical method was used to reduce the Co in spent LiCoO2. The reduction mechanism of Co (III) in LiCoO2 was analyzed by cyclic voltammetry, square wave voltammetry, and open circuit potential. The reduction process of Co (III) on Fe electrode was studied in NaCl-CaCl2-LiCoO2 molten salt system at 750 °C. The results show that the reduction process of Co (III) is a two-step reduction: Co (III) → Co (II) → Co (0) and they are all quasi-reversible processes controlled by diffusion. Phase analysis (XRD) shows that Li+ and Cl2− in the molten salt form LiCl electrolysis experiments with different voltages were carried out, which proved the stepwise reduction of Co in LiCoO2.

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

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.