Electrosynthesis of Cerium Hexaboride Using Lithium Tetra Borate Melt

Molten salts are promising medium for chemical and electrochemical synthesis of compounds. Hence an attempt has been made on the synthesis of CeB6 using lithium chloride (LiCl), lithium tetra borate (Li2B4O7), and cerium chloride (CeCl3). Electrolysis was carried out at 900°C at different current densities. After the electrolysis, the cathode product was removed and cleaned using dilute HCl solution. The crystals were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transition electron microscopy (TEM). It has been observed that CeB6 crystals are synthesized at all current densities and the product has traces of impurities.