Microwave-induced plasma reduction of Sc₂O₃ for sustainable Al₃Sc alloy production: <i>In Situ</i> analysis of Al₃Sc formation mechanisms.

ABSTRACT: This study aimed to elucidate the reaction mechanism of the microwave irradiation method, a novel approach for synthesizing scandium (Sc) and aluminum (Al). Sc₂O₃ and Al mixed powders were exposed to Mg vapor or Mg plasma. In situ gas analysis and XRD analysis revealed that Al₃Sc was formed as a result of Al pulling out Sc while Mg acted as an oxygen getter. In particular, Mg plasma was shown to directly reduce Sc₂O₃ and significantly increase Al₃Sc formation due to its high-energy state. These findings highlight the crucial role of Al and Mg vapors in the synthesis of Sc-containing alloys and demonstrate that Mg plasma accelerates the reaction rate through a distinct mechanism compared to Mg vapor. This study's outco

SUBMITTER: Fukushima J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11931023 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature