Siliconizing of iron and molybdenum by electrochemical reduction of silicon in molten SiO2-Li2O-MgO

Electrochemical reduction of silicon on metal electrodes in molten silicate was studied. An iron sheet was immersed in SiO2-Li2O-MgO at 1273 K, and the electrode potential was controlled for 1 h. Formation on the iron of a Si-containing layer about 10-30 μm thick was observed after the electrolysis, depending on the potential. When a molybdenum electrode was used, α-MoSi2 layer about 5 μm thick was formed on the surface. The results suggest the applicability of molten oxide electrolysis as a synthesis method of Si-containing alloy layers.