저널

An attempt was made to reduce directly Nd2O3 in a cryolited based fluoride bath. Neodymium metal was electrodeposited on the iron cathode to produce the Fe-Nd eutectic alloy in a liquid state at 90$0^{circ}C$. Graphite was adopted for the anode and pure iron for the cathode. Electrolyte was composed of Na3AlF6 50wt.%. AlF3 34wt.% and Nd2O3 16wt.%. Analysis of typical alloy product showed Al 63.4wt.% Fe 26.9wt.% and Nd 7.0 wt.% The enrichment of neodymium in the alloy couldn`t be obtained because aluminum codeposited with ne-odydmium. Experimental results proved that the cryolited based electrolyte was unstable for the electrolysis of rare earth oxides even though their prominent solubilities.