Thermodynamics and the

Abstract

Detailed investigations of phase equilibrium in the CeBr 3 -MBr (M=Li, Na, K, Rb) systems was conducted by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). CeBr 3 -LiBr and CeBr 3 -NaBr are simple eutectic systems. CeBr 3 -KBr is characterized by two congruently melting compounds, namely K 3 CeBr 6 and K 2 CeBr 5 , and three eutectics. K 3 CeBr 6 forms at 775 K and melts congruently at 879 K. K 2 CeBr 5 melts congruently at 874 K. CeBr 3 -RbBr exhibits two eutectics, one congruently melting Rb 3 CeBr 6 compound (formation at 614 K, solid-solid phase transition at 695 K and melting at 966 K) and two compounds that decomposes peritectically at 830 K and 811 K (Rb 2 CeBr 5 and RbCe 2 Br 7 , respectively). The electrical conductivity of all liquid CeBr 3 -MBr mixtures and pure components was measured over an extended range including temperatures below solidification. The obtained results are discussed in the term of possible complex formation lanthanide halide-alkali metal halide systems. It reports original results on the phase diagrams and electrical conductivity of the CeBr 3 -MBr binary systems (M=Li, Na, K, Rb).