Investigation of the reaction progress between stannous chloride and zirconium in molten LiCl–KCl

Abstract

LiCl–KCl–ZrCl₄ melt was prepared by an in situ displacement reaction between SnCl₂ and Zr in LiCl–KCl melt at 773 K, and the progress of the reaction between SnCl₂ and Zr was also investigated by dynamic electrochemical measurements, such as cyclic voltammetry, square wave voltammetry and open circuit chronopotentiometry. The results reveal that the concentration of Zr(IV) increases gradually and reaches a maximum value with the reaction time increasing from 0 to 210 min, while the concentration of Sn(II) decreases gradually and drops below the detection limit. In addition, the chemical analyses of Zr(IV) and Sn(II) in the melt at various times were also carried out and the results are in good agreement with those of the electrochemical measurements. Finally, LiCl–KCl–ZrCl₄ melts with a low concentration of Sn(II) (<0.01 wt%) were obtained, when the reaction time was prolonged to 210 min.