Synthesis of Yttrium Intermetallic Compounds on the Surface of Copper Samples in an NaCl–KCl Melt

Abstract

Cyclic voltammetry is used to study the cathode reduction of yttrium ions on a copper electrode in an YCl₃-containing NaCl–KCl melt at 1023 K. The potentials of formation of copper–yttrium compounds are determined. Samples of Cu₆Y, Cu₄Y, Cu₂Y, and CuY alloy coatings are prepared by controlled potential electrolysis; samples of Cu₆Y and Cu₄Y alloy coatings are prepared by no-current diffusion saturation at 973 and 1023 K. It was found that the samples prepared by no-current diffusion saturation are thicker than those prepared by electrolysis. However, the controlled potential electrolysis allowed us to prepare coatings of a given composition.