Electrochemical Preparation of Mg-Li-A1-Er Alloys by Co-reduction in Molten Chloride

The electrochemical behavior of Mg, Li, AI and Er were investigated by electrochemical techniques in LiCI- KCI-MgCI2-AICI3-ErCI3 melts at 823 K. The cyclic voltammetry and chronopotentiometry indicated that the co-reduction of Mg, Li, AI and Er occurs at current densities more negative than -0.89 A.cm-2. Er（lll） under-potential deposited on pre-reduced AI electrode formed AI-RE alloys. X-ray diffraction （XRD） results indicated that Mg17Al12, Al2Er, Al2Er3 and Al4Li9 phases were prepared by galvanostatic electrolysis. ICP analyses of samples showed that lithium and aluminum contents of Mg-Li-AI-Er alloys could be controlled by concentration of AICI3 and cathodic current density.