The thermal electrolytic production of Mg from MgO: A discussion of the electrochemical reaction kinetics and requisite mass transport processes

By Leonard, N.; Korenko, M.; Larson, C.; Blood, K.; Venstrom, L. J.; Nudehi, S.; Duncan, S.; Diver, R.; Simko, F.; Priscak, J.; Schoer, J.; Kissinger, P. T.; Palumbo, R.
Published in Chemical Engineering Science NULL 2016

Abstract

Abstract We examined the kinetic and transport processes involved in Mg production from MgO via electrolysis at ca 1250 K with in a eutectic mixture of MgF2-CaF2, using a Mo cathode, and carbon anode. Exchange current densities, transfer coefficients, and diffusion coefficients of the electroactive species were established using a combination of cyclic and linear sweep voltammetry, chronoamperometry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The cathode kinetics are described by a concentration dependent Butler-Volmer equation. The exchange current density and cathodic transfer coefficient are 11

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