Method for obtaining neodymium or neodymium-iron alloy by electrolysis of melts containing neodymium compounds
AssigneesHeraeus Elektrochemie GmbH, Moltech Invent S.A.
InventorsUlrich Stroder, Jean-Jacques Duruz, Jean-Louis Jorda
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Abstract
Neodymium and neodymium-iron alloys are obtained by electrolysis of a neodymium salt melt using magnetite as the anode material. The cathode is non-consumable or is made of iron to be consumed and form a neodymium-iron alloy. The electrolysis is preferably carried out under a protective atmosphere.
Claims16
In a method for obtaining neodymium or neodymium-iron alloy by electrolysis of a melt containing neodymium oxide, neodymium fluoride, alkali metal fluorides, and optionally alkali earth metal fluorides, using at least one anode and at least one cathode at least partially immersed in the melt, the improvement wherein the anode is a hollow body formed of magnetite and the electrolysis is carried out at a melt temperature from about 750.degree. C. to about 1100.degree. C.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.