The electrodeposition of lutetium on inert electrodes, and the formation of lutetium-aluminium alloys, were investigated in eutectic LiCl-KCl at 673 to 823K. On a tungsten electrode, the electroreduction of Lu(III) proceeded in a single step and electrocrystalization played an important role. Experimental current-time transients were in good agreement with theoretical models based upon either instantaneous or progressive nucleation, with 3-dimensional growth of the nuclei, depending upon the working temperature. The diffusion coefficient of Lu(III) was determined using chronopotentiometry, by applying the Sand equation. The activation energy for diffusion was found to be 31.5kJ/mol.

Electrodeposition of Lu on W and Al Electrodes: Electrochemical Formation of Lu-Al Alloys and Oxo-Acidity Reactions of Lu(III) in the Eutectic LiCl-KCl. M.R.Bermejo, E.Barrado, A.M.Martínez, Y.Castrillejo: Journal of Electroanalytical Chemistry, 2008, 617[1], 85-100