On solubility of europium monoxide in melts of (NaBr + NaI) system at T = 973 K

Equilibria of EuO dissolution and dissociation in molten (NaBr + NaI) mixtures of 0.77:0.23 and 0.31:0.69 compositions at T = 973 K were studied by potentiometric titration method using Pt(O₂)|ZrO₂(Y₂O₃) indicator electrode. The solubility product indices of EuO are (7.81 ± 0.08) and (8.43 ± 0.16) in the melts of 0.77:0.23 and 0.31:0.69 compositions. The corresponding dissociation constant indices are (4.96 ± 0.04) and (5.54 ± 0.06), respectively (all the parameters are in molality). Non-dissociated EuO is the prevailing form in all the saturated solutions of europium monoxide. The decrease of the iodide ion concentration in the melts results in strengthening of EuO dissociation that is explained by introduction of harder Pearson’s base (Br⁻) in sodium iodide melt. In its turn this increases the fixation degree of Eu²⁺ in mixed halide complexes. The total solubility of EuO decreases going from NaI melt to the (bromide + iodide) mixtures that is caused by the decrease of ‘physical’ solubility of non-dissociated oxide which occupies hollow spaces of enough large size in the ionic solvents. The quantity of these hollow spaces diminishes at the sequential Br⁻ → I⁻ substitution.