Electrochemical synthesis of refractory borides from molten salts

Abstract

The electrochemical synthesis of refractory borides from molten salts has been reviewed. Non-current and electrolytic boriding of different metals has been considered first. Then, the electrochemical synthesis of refractory borides has been discussed, when the two components of the boride phase are jointly deposited on the cathode. Equilibrium Electrochemical Synthesis (EES) diagrams are presented to predict equilibrium phases to be formed during electrochemical synthesis. The possibility to produce borides of transition metals as first cathodic product has been reviewed using a thermodynamic principle. Kinetics of electrochemical synthesis and morphology of the phases obtained have also been considered. A summary table with basic information on all experiments of electrochemical synthesis of refractory borides is included with about 100 references.