Oxidation and electrical properties of chromium–iron alloys in a corrosive molten electrolyte environment

Chromium–iron (CrFe) binary alloys have recently been proposed to serve as the “inert” anode for molten oxide electrolysis (MOE). Herein, the effects of anodic polarization on physical and functional properties of CrFe anodes in the corrosive environment of MOE are studied via empirical observations and theoretical calculations. The findings indicate that the alloys form an inner chromia–alumina solid-solution covered by an MgCr₂O₄ spinel layer. A survey into the electrical properties of the detected oxides suggests that the layered oxide scale function as an efficient conductor of electricity at elevated temperature. The formation mechanism of the oxides is also investigated.