Abstract
The solid oxide membrane (SOM) process has been used to produce magnesium by direct electrolysis of its oxide. In this process MgO is dissolved in a molten CaF2-MgF2 flux and an yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) SOM membrane separates the cathode and the flux from the anode. YSZ membrane stability limits the operating life of the SOM electrolyzer. The YSZ membrane is known to degrade due to diffusion of yttrium into the flux. Yttrium diffusion can however be decreased by adding YF3 to the flux. This study investigates the long-term stability of the YSZ membrane. Yttrium composition profiles in the YSZ membrane were determined using WDS as a function of immersion time and YF3 content in the flux. An analytic solution to the diffusion equation was used to model the diffusion process. This study allows the determination of the optimum YF3 content needed in the flux to minimize yttrium diffusion and increase membrane stability.
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