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

Highlights: • Silicon in molten silicate was reduced electrochemically on metal electrodes. • Potentials of Fe and Mo electrodes were controlled in SiO₂–Li₂O–MgO at 1273 K. • Formation of a Si-containing layer was observed on Fe, depending on the potential. • MoSi₂ layer was formed on the surface of the Mo electrode. - Abstract: 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