Steady-state polarization measurements on the glassy-carbon and nickel oxide ceramic anodes in the KCl-LiCl-Li2O melt

Polarization of anodes prepared from glassy carbon or nickel oxide doped wi th 2.5 wt % of lithium oxide is studied by the galvanostatic technique in t he KCl-LiCl-Li2O melt at 673-773 K. The effect of dry and moisture-containi ng helium atmospheres on the anodic process is investigated. The lithium ox ide concentration in the melt is varied from zero to saturation at a given temperature. The lithium oxide solubility in the KCl-LiCl melt is determine d by two techniques at 673-773 K. Confirmations are found for mixed kinetic s governing the discharge of oxide ions in a chloride-oxide melt. This mean s that the role played by diffusion complications in the supply of electroa ctive species to the electrode surface and removal of reaction products int o the melt's depth is commensurate with that played by complications associ ated with desorption of gases that evolve on either anode.