Electrorefining of Gallium Using Bipolar Electrodes and a β-Alumina Membrane

Abstract

A method for the refining of gallium, using bipolar gallium electrodes, in molten electrolytes containing its compounds with lower oxidation states has been developed. A gallium (I) - β –alumina membrane was used to separate the electrodes and bipolar electrodes. The effect of the electrolysis conditions on gallium transfer from the anode to the cathode through the gallium (I) - β –alumina membrane has been studied. It has been show that gallium refining in molten electrolytes allows one to obtain high-purity gallium with high current efficiency.