About this Abstract |
Meeting |
2022 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
|
Symposium
|
Materials and Chemistry for Molten Salt Systems
|
Presentation Title |
Recovery of Purified Cerium Metal via Metallothermic Reduction after Chlorination-based Purification |
Author(s) |
Sierra G. Freitas, Mario Alberto Gonzalez , Chao Zhang, Devin Rappleye, Michael F. Simpson |
On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Sierra G. Freitas |
Abstract Scope |
In support of development of a metal purification process based on conversion of impure metals via hydriding followed by chlorinating, options for reducing purified metal chlorides back to metallic form were evaluated. Metallothermic reduction of pure CeCl3 was tested using lithium and calcium as reducing metals with and without a molten salt flux. Direct contact of lithium with CeCl3 was problematic, thus motivating the use of a molten salt flux (LiCl or NaCl-CaCl2). CeCl3 was found to have a high solubility in both proposed flux mixtures. Lithium metal dissolved in LiCl, however, appeared to form a low-density alloy with the resulting Ce metal. Water was demonstrated to be an effective rinse media for recovered ingots, washing away undesired phases without increasing oxygen content. The effects of the form of the added reducing metal, crucible dimensions, and mixture hold times above cerium melting temperature will be presented. |
Proceedings Inclusion? |
Planned: |
Keywords |
Pyrometallurgy, |