How to Produce Solid Ge and Ga from Ga2O3 and GeO2 Using Eh-pH Diagrams

[lohanlotter]

I am working with a Ge-H20 and Ga-H20 system. I am given a mixture of Ga2O3 and GeO2. I have to produce solid Ge and solid Ga.

From the diagrams i understande how the reactions work to get the substances into ionic form, but from the ionic form to solid state is where I am having problems. The 2 water stability lines are above the final point on the diagram where i need to end up for the solid states so there will be no supporting anodic reaction when moving from the ionic state to solid state.

I don't know how to justify moving from the ionic state to the solid state. I was thinking of adding an external voltage so that the reaction can occur, the anodic reaction will the be the H20/O2 reaction. but I am not sure if this is correnct

 

[Navin A S]

. Can anyone help me out? You could try using a reduction method, such as electrolysis. This method involves passing an electric current through the ionic solution containing the Ga2O3 and GeO2. The current will cause the ions to reduce to the desired solid form. This is a relatively simple process and can be used to produce both Ga and Ge in solid form.