Influence of free F− anions on evaporation behavior of molten salts containing ZrF4

Recovery of FLiBe from ThF4–FLiBe salt using precipitation–distillation coupled method

“…Similar results were obtained for ZrF 4 –FLiNaK and ZrF 4 –FLiBe. 9 The experimental results implied that the evaporation behavior of the carrier salt changes with the addition of ThF 4 . To better understand the reasons, the details of the weight loss process for the various components in the ThF 4 –FLiBe mixture should be investigated.…”

“…The reason was the different activity of F − ions in these melts, which affected the affinity of ThF 4 toward the solvents. 9 Alkali fluorides molten salts in FLiNaK were almost fully dissociated, and the F − ions activity in these solvents was approximated to be 1. The concentration of F − ions was relatively high in FLiNaK, resulting in strong bonding and solvation of thorium.…”

“…Details of these settings are described elsewhere. 9 All experiments were carried out in a dry glove box under an argon atmosphere (O 2 /H 2 O <5 ppm).…”

“…Generally, the F − ions in FLiBe were different from those in FLiNaK, which resulted in a different effect on the evaporation behavior of ZrF 4 . 9 Thus, the applicability of distillation technology to the processing of FLiBe containing ThF 4 was further assessed in the present work.…”