Electrochemical preparation of V₂O₃ from NaVO₃ and its reduction mechanism

Abstract

Vanadium trioxide (V₂O₃) was directly prepared by NaVO₃ electrolysis in NaCl molten salts. Electrolysis products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The existing state and electrochemical behavior of NaVO₃ were also studied. The results indicated that V₂O₃ can be obtained from NaVO₃. VC and C were also formed at high cell voltage, high temperature, and long electrolysis time. During electrolysis, NaVO₃ was dissociated to Na⁺ and VO₃ ⁻ in NaCl molten salt. NaVO₃ was initially electro- reduced to V₂O₃ on cathode and Na₂O was released simultaneously. Na₂CO₃ was formed due to the reaction between Na₂O and CO₂. The production of C was ascribed to the electro-reduction of CO₃ ²⁻. VC was produced due to the reaction between C and V₂O₃.

Keywords

molten salt electrolysis / V₂O₃ / NaVO₃ / molten NaCl

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