Abstract:
High-temperature molten salt electrochemistry has a wide range of applications in disciplines such as metallurgy, energy, environment, materials, and chemical engineering. However, the harsh reaction conditions and the complex reactor structure place the interior of the molten salt in a “black box”, resulting in an extreme scarcity of authentic, real-time data on electrode processes. To address this, leveraging the non-destructive, non-contact, and penetrable characteristics of X-ray computed tomography (CT), and considering the actual operational requirements of high-temperature molten salt electrochemistry, this paper develops an in-situ CT visualization experimental device for electrode processes in molten salt. By combining this in-situ device with a laboratory CT instrument and an electrochemical workstation, the quantitative evolution process of the three-dimensional morphology and composition of electrodes in high-temperature molten salt over time can be captured in real time. The obtained in-situ visualization results can help students intuitively comprehend high-temperature molten salt electrochemistry, particularly the kinetic behavior inside the “black box”. This can not only help students to master professional knowledge, but also increase the interest and engagement of teaching, enhancing students’ interest and enthusiasm in this subject.