Electrochemical Study of Nd and Pr Co-Deposition onto Mo and W from Molten Oxyfluorides

Electrodeposition processes of neodymium and praseodymium in molten NdF3 + PrF3 LiF 1 wt.%Pr6O11 wt.%Nd2O3 2 electrolytes at 1323 K were investigated. Cyclic voltammetry, square wave open circuit potentiometry applied to study the electrochemical reduction Nd(III) Pr(III) ions on Mo W cathodes. It was established that a critical condition for Nd Pr co-deposition oxyfluoride constant deposition overpotential ≈−0.100 V, which shown result current densities approaching 6 mAcm−2. Analysis results obtained by techniques showed proceeds as one-step process involving exchange three electrons (Pr(III)→Pr(0)) is two-step process: first involves one electron (Nd(III)→Nd(II)), second an two (Nd(II)→Nd(0)). X-ray diffraction analyses confirmed formation metallic working substrate. Keeping anodic potential glassy carbon anode low very levels oxides, fluorine fluorocarbon gas emissions, should qualify studied system environmentally friendly option rare earth metal deposition. The newly reported data metals provide valuable information recycling neodymium-iron-boron magnets.