Abstract:Electrochemical reduction mechanism of La3+ on tungsten electrode at 773 K was studied through cyclic voltammetry, chronopotentiometry and chronoamperometry applying LiCl-KCl and LaCl3 as molten salt and raw material. The results show that electrochemical reduction of La3+ on tungsten electrode is a three-electron transition process by one step in 50%KCl-50%LiCl-2%LaCl3 molten salt at 773 K. Electrode reaction is La3++3e →La and reduction potential of La3+ is -2.05 V(vs. Ag/AgCl) on tungsten electrode. Nuclear polarization phenomenon is observed during depositing process. Depositing process of La is a quasi-reversible reaction. Cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry indicate that reduction of La3+ on tungsten electrode process in 50%KCl-50%LiCl-2%LaCl3 molten salt at 773 K is controlled by diffusion step of ions with diffusion coefficient of 6.36×10-5 cm2/s.