Electrochemical Determination of Oxidic Melt Diffusion Coefficients

The chemical diffusion coefficient of electroactive species such as Fe3+ and Ce4+ in silicate melts have been measured using an electrochemical technique: square wave voltametry. The experiments are conducted in an induction furnace in which three electrodes (made of platinum or iridium) are inserted in the crucible containing the melt. The technique has been improved to reduce the uncertainties due to the presence of a meniscus on the electrodes. Experimental results have been obtained at temperatures up to 1560 ◦C. The technique has proven its ability to analyze melts containing several electroactive species. These experimental results are compared to data from the literature.