Abstract
The mechanism of anodic dissolution of pure vanadium in a titanium-enriched alkali chloride molten salt was investigated to determine whether it can be used as an ion source for a continuous Ti–V alloy deposition process. This study represents the first step towards the preparation of ternary Ti–Al–V alloys. Cyclic voltammetry as well electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was performed and potentials for dissolution experiments were determined. Additionally, the influence of anode morphologies on the dissolution process, as a consequence of pre-treatment, was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Results indicate that anodic vanadium dissolution is possible, but hindered by the electroless formation of a thin titanium layer. Additionally, a secondary reaction, namely the oxidation of Ti2+ ions, takes place, lowering the current efficiency of the process. Morphology investigations revealed the risk of grain detachment (material loss) from the vanadium electrode, which is critical in direct dissolution, whereas under indirect dissolution conditions, passivation impedes the controlled process. Thus, electrolysis is best carried out with coarse-grained vanadium electrodes in the direct dissolution range.
Published Version
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