Electrochemical behaviour of pure iron in the aluminium refining electrolyte

The reduction of iron dissolved in the aluminum refining industrial melt was studied using cyclic voltammetry and chronopotentiometry. The required solutions were obtained by adding ferrous or ferric fluoride to the Gadeau electrolyte. The experimental arrangement permitted molten fluoride electrolysis as well as the introduction of additional salts under an inert argon atmosphere. Platinum, iron and graphite electrodes were used. Chemical analysis proved that the stable ionic valency of iron in the melt at 750° wasII. The reduction reaction of the Fe(II) ions was reversible and involved two electrons. The diffusion coefficient of the Fe(II) ions was calculated.