Electrochemical co-deposition of Erbium and Ytterbium in molten LiF-CaF2: An original way for lanthanides extraction on inert electrode

Electrochemical study of Er(III)/Er and Yb(III)/Yb systems was independently investigated in molten LiF-CaF2 on inert electrode at 840 °C using cyclic voltammetry square wave voltammetry. Experimental results showed that two different behaviours were observed: Er(III) reduced into metal a one-step diffusion controlled process Yb(III) first Yb(II) then Yb. The electrochemical containing both Mo highlighted co-deposition Er Yb leading to Er-Yb surface alloys formation. Alloys formation evidenced open-circuit chronopotentiometry SEM-EDS. Finally, co-extraction from salt carried out by electrolysis with high extraction efficiency (> 99.5%). These pave the way Lanthanides without involving cathode material nor another ion as for reactive electrodeposition.