Electrodeposition of zirconium diboride from oxides dissolved in fused salts

Abstract

Zirconium diboride has been cathodically electrodeposited from ZrO₂ and B₂O₃ dissolved in an equimolar mixture of K₂ZrF₆+KBF₄ at 600°. The deposition process is controlled by the concentration of B₂O₃ in the molten salt solution, and at higher current densities zirconium is co- deposited. Carbon dioxide is evolved simultaneously from a graphite anode.