Ampere Bunsen

The method most generally applied to the isolation of lithium is based on the decomposition of the fused chloride by electrolysis, modifications in practical details having been introduced by various experimenters. Bunsen and Matthiessen1 passed the current from six Bunsen cells through the fused chloride contained in a porcelain crucible, with a carbon rod as anode and an iron wire as cathode. Troost employed a similar method. Guntz2 mixed lithium chloride with potassium chloride, but his product contained 1-3 per cent, of potassium. His current was 10 amperes at 20 volts, with a cathode of iron wire 3-4 mm. in diameter. Borchers3 added chlorides of other alkali-metals and alkaline-earth-metals and a small proportion of ammonium chloride, and employed a current density of 10 amperes per 100 sq. cm. Tucker 4 electrolyzed the chloride without the addition of other material. 

Obtained metallic beryllium by electrolysis of BeFj.NaF in nickel crucible. Melted over bunsen burner and then passed current of 6-9 amperes at 35-40 volts removing. source of heat. Made salt by fusing exact equivalents I-I of the two fluorides. Nickel crucible negative pole and graphite stick positive pole. 

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