Parameter Study for the Production of DyFe by Molten Salt Electrolysis

A parameter study of DyFe alloy production by molten salt electrolysis in an equimolar DyF₃-LiF electrolyte added Dy₂O₃ at temperatures in excess of 1000 °C using a power supply system that could deliver up to 500 A is reported. A cylindrical carbon anode with a pure iron cathode in the centre was used. Oxide concentration of electrolyte determined by inert gas fusion technique varied from ca. 1.5–3 wt%. The formation of perfluorocarbon (PFC) gases was monitored using an online Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR). The investigations showed a close relationship between the cathodic current density and the amount of DyFe metal alloy produced with the highest metal production occurring at cathodic current densities above 6 A/cm². Inductively coupled plasma (ICP) analysis of the produced DyFe metal ingots showed a composition of 83 wt% Dy and 17 wt% Fe. Carbon content varied between 0.04 and 0.16 wt%.