Electrochemical formation and characterization of Ni-Sc intermetallic compounds in LiF-CaF2 eutectic melt

Abstract

The present investigation aimed to examine the cathodic behavior of Sc(III) on a reactive nickel electrode within a fluoride molten salt system. The electrochemical formation process of Ni-Sc alloy in LiF-CaF2 eutectic melt was investigated using cyclic voltammetry and square wave voltammetry electrochemical techniques. The formation of Ni-Sc intermetallic compounds induces a depolarization phenomenon, hence promoting the underpotential deposition of scandium onto the Ni electrode. The standard Gibbs free energy of formation for Ni-Sc intermetallic compounds were calculated by the use of open-circuit chronopotentiometry measurements. Furthermore, Ni-Sc alloys were fabricated via potentiostatic and galvanostatic electrolysis methods and subsequently characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive spectroscopy. The results indicated that a sequential emergence of Ni5Sc, Ni2Sc, and combined NiSc+NiSc2 intermetallic compounds escalates as the cathodic polarization potential. Multifarious Ni-Sc intermetallic compounds can be synthesized by controlling the electrolysis conditions, providing new insights for the preparation of Ni-Sc alloy and establishing a theoretical foundation for the synthesis of Ni-Sc intermediate alloy for solid-state reactive cathodes.