Method for making lithium-containing magnesium alloy

Abstract

A method for making lithium-containing magnesium alloy is provided. The method includes carrying out a diffusive electrolysis in an electrolyte, essentially including lithium chloride and potassium chloride, by using a graphite material as an anode and a material of a magnesium or magnesium alloy as a cathode. Therefore, the lithium is diffused into the cathode to form a raw material, lithium-magnesium master alloy, with higher weight percentage of lithium. Further, the lithium-magnesium master alloy is smelted and cast into a lithium-containing magnesium alloy with a desired lithium content.

1 . A method for making lithium-containing magnesium alloy, the method comprising the steps of:
 diffusing a lithium material into a cathode material by diffusive electrolysis;   forming a lithium-magnesium master alloy containing lithium within the range of 10˜50% by weight (wt. %); and   smelting the lithium-magnesium master alloy to cast a lithium-containing magnesium with a desired lithium content.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the diffusive electrolysis uses a graphite material as an anode to diffuse the lithium material into the cathode in an electrolyte. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the electrolyte essentially consists of 45 wt. % lithium chloride and 55 wt. % potassium chloride. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising: performing an advanced composition analysis before smelting the lithium-magnesium master alloy to quantify the lithium concentration. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the lithium-magnesium master alloy is smelted and casted in atmospheric environment. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the working temperature of the diffusive electrolysis is kept within a range of 400˜530° C. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the diffusive electrolysis uses a 3V˜4.2V direct current as a working current.