In Situ Chlorine Generation and Rare Earth Chlorination by Molten Salt Electrolysis

Chloride volatility processes for purifying actinide and rare earth elements have historically required the use of Cl2 tanks. To minimize the hazards associated with these processes, an apparatus was designed to produce Cl2 via molten salt electrolysis. Within this apparatus, one can generate Cl2, chlorinate metals, and consume excess Cl2. Here, electrode materials were tested for their ability to generate Cl2, the composition of the gaseous electrolysis product was evaluated using a quadrupole mass spectrometer, and a Ce foil sample was successfully chlorinated using the electrochemically generated Cl2.