Stability of Iridium Anode in Molten Oxide Electrolysis for Ironmaking: Influence of Slag Basicity

Abstract

Molten oxide electrolysis (MOE) is a carbon-neutral, electrochemical technique to decompose metal oxide directly into liquid metal and oxygen gas upon use of an inert anode. What sets MOE apart from other technologies is its potential environmental advantage of no greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, the primary challenge for carbon-free molten oxide electrolysis is the development of an inert anode. In the quest for an inert anode that can sustain the aggressive conditions of the process, iridium has been evaluated in two different slags for ironmaking. The basicity of the electrolyte proves to have a dramatic effect on the stability of the iridium anode, where iridium corrosion in an acidic slag with high silica content is less pronounced than the corrosion rate in a basic slag with high calcia content.