TY  - JOUR
AU  - Ma, Tingzhuang
AU  - Yang, Bin
AU  - Tian, Yang
AU  - Jiang, Wenlong
AU  - Xu, Baoqiang
AU  - Zha, Guozheng
AU  - Wu, Shuji
AU  - Yu, Haosong
AU  - Yu, Rong
PY  - 2026
TI  - Effect of magnesium fluoride catalysis on the vacuum reducing properties of magnesium oxide
JO  - Journal of Magnesium and Alloys
SN  - 2213-9567
VL  - 16
IS  - C
AB  - Low reduction efficiency is a critical issue that limits the advancement of the magnesium vacuum carbothermal reduction smelting process. This investigation introduces a novel magnesium smelting process that substitutes magnesium fluoride (MgF2) for calcium fluoride (CaF2) as a catalyst in the vacuum carbothermal reduction of magnesium. The viability and optimal operating conditions of the new method were assessed through thermodynamic calculations of Gibbs free energy in the MgOC–MgF2 system. Additionally, the catalytic effects of MgF2 on the reduction of MgO were examined under different holding times in vacuum conditions. Analytical results indicated a significant improvement in the reduction efficiency of MgO upon the incorporation of MgF2. MgF2 serves a catalytic function in the reduction process. When F⁻ acts, it elevates the relative concentration of Mg in the reduction system and promotes the reduction reaction. Improvements in reduction efficiency are observed as the holding period duration increases and with higher concentrations of MgF2. However, the improvement in reduction efficiency tends to plateau when the concentration exceeds 7 %. The resulting magnesium condensate exhibits a robust crystalline structure, with a purity of 79.39 %. The crystallization outcomes are influenced by the degree of reverse reactions. Compared to CaF2, MgF2 offers significant economic, environmental, and catalytic advantages. This process supports the goals of sustainable, green development and aligns with clean production standards in the magnesium metallurgy sector.
UR  - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jma.2025.05.008
DO  - 10.1016/j.jma.2025.05.008