Electrochemical formation of Nd-Ni alloys in molten NaCl-KCl-NdCl3

The electrochemical formation of Nd-Ni alloys was investigated in a molten NaCl-KCl-NdCl3 (0.50 mol%) system at 973 K. The electrochemical formation of several Nd-Ni alloy phases was indicated by cyclic voltammetry and open-circuit potentiometry. Alloy samples were prepared by one- or two-step potentiostatic electrolysis of a Ni plate electrode at various potentials. Scanning electron microscopy observations and X-ray diffraction measurements confirmed the formation of NdNi2, NdNi3, Nd2Ni7 and NdNi5. The formation reactions of the Nd-Ni alloys and the corresponding equilibrium potentials were determined.