Abstract
A theoretical description of the electrochemical behaviour of iron in molten oxides was developed to elucidate the mechanisms of the cathodic reaction during electrolysis of iron oxide. Seven candidate molten oxide electrolytes for electrolysis were identified based on their structure and transport properties. Their performance for electrolysis was evaluated by calculating the limiting cathodic current density and cathodic polarization curves at 1600 °C upon addition of 5, 10, 15, or 20 wt% Fe2O3. In certain electrolytes, the cathodic reaction appears to likely be rate limiting in the electrolytic cell, while in others it is not.