Relationship between the dissolution behaviours and current efficiencies of La, Ce, Pr and Nd in their chloride molten salts

The dissolution behaviours of La and Nd in their chloride molten salts were studied by means of the see-through cell, electrochemical weak polarization and quantum chemistry (extended Huckel molecular orbital). The reasons for the low current efficiencies of rare earth metals and the difference between La and Nd in their own chloride electrolytes on the basis of the solubility, rate of dissolution, and existing state of the metals dissolved as well as the structure of the melts, are discussed.