Anodic dissolution of consumable ZrCxOy and cathodic deposition of zirconium in NaCl-KCl based melts

ZrC x O y with composition ZrC 0.79 O 0.21 were synthesized through the carboreduction of ZrO 2 in this paper. Subsequently, these ZrC x O y blocks obtained through reaction sintering were directly subjected in a graphite crucible as an anode for electrolysis preparation of metallic zirconium in NaCl-KCl melt. The effects of applied voltage, fluoride ions, and initial zirconium ion content on anodic dissolution were studied, as well as the cathodic deposition. The results indicate that the valence state of zirconium ions dissolved into the molten salt from the anode will rise with the voltage increasing from 2.7 V to 3.1 V. In addition to voltage, both fluoride ions and initial zirconium ions have significant effects on the anodic dissolution of ZrC x O y and cathodic deposition of zirconium. The microstructure of cathodic deposition products also exhibits diversity with changes in electrolysis conditions. The experimental results supply evidence for the electrolysis of ZrC x O y obtained through reaction sintering as a consuming anode for the preparation of metallic zirconium, while also providing support for the optimization of electrolysis parameters.