Development and Teaching Application of the In-situ Analysis Experimental Setup of Electrode Process in High-temperature Molten Salt

High-temperature molten-salt electrochemistry has a wide range of applications in many disciplines such as metallurgy, energy, environment, material, and chemistry. However, the harsh reaction condition and the complex cell structure put molten-salt electrochemistry into a “black box”, which further limits the collection of the actual and real-time information on electrode process. To end this challenge, according to the advantages of the X-ray computed tomography (CT), such as non-destructive, non-contact, and penetrable, and the technological requirements of high-temperature molten-salt electrochemistry, this paper developed an in-situ CT visualization device. The quantitative evolution process of the electrode process in high-temperature molten salt could be captured in real time by combing the in-situ CT visualization device, laboratory CT instrument, and electrochemical working station. The obtained results may help students visually comprehend the high-temperature molten-salt electrochemistry, particularly the kinetic behavior in the “black box”. The novel in-situ device and the unprecedented findings based on this device can not only help students to master the professional knowledge, but also make teaching more interesting, enhancing the interest and enthusiasm of students on this subject.