Electrochemical formation of Nd–Ni alloys in molten NaCl–KCl–NdCl3

The electrochemical formation of Nd–Ni alloys was investigated in a molten NaCl–KCl–NdCl3 (0.50 mol%) system at 973 K. The electrochemical formation of several Nd–Ni alloy phases was indicated by cyclic voltammetry and open-circuit potentiometry. Alloy samples were prepared by one- or two-step potentiostatic electrolysis of a Ni plate electrode at various potentials. Scanning electron microscopy observations and X-ray diffraction measurements confirmed the formation of NdNi2, NdNi3, Nd2Ni7 and NdNi5. The formation reactions of the Nd–Ni alloys and the corresponding equilibrium potentials were determined