cerium(IV) Oxide thermite

[mevans]

I am thinking of making cerium metal through a thermite process with cerium(IV) oxide. Upon researching cerium, i read that it is the second most reactive rare earth element after europium. My wory is that the cerium will catch fire while it is still molten or newly solid. Since i only have 25G of cerium(IV) oxide, i was wondering if the cerium catching fire is a real possibility and if it is, what is the best way to reduce the possibility of the metal catching fire.
Thanks,
Mevans

[LittleJimmy]

This is just off the top of my pointy little head, but I'd work up an electrical ignitor for the thermite (contained in a ceramic crucible, let's say). I'd set up the crucible on a large mound of salt (regular NaCl, kosher salt preferred - fewer additives) - and then I'd cover that arrangement very carefully with a mound of a couple of pounds of salt so the enite set-up is completely buried.

I'm thinking that the salt would be unlikely to melt at the temperature of the thermite, and even if it did, it would be unlikely to react with the hot cerium. Once it cooled, plain warm water would dissolve the salt, leaving you the cerium and whatever slag remained from the thermite reaction.

How's that sound to you?

By the way - take pictures, please!

[mevans]

Thanks for the reply. The only problem that i can see arising from your suggestion is the fact that creium is the 2nd most reactive rare earth metal. I know that the most reactive, europium, reacts quite vigorously with water so cerium may do the same. Apperentsly, cerium will spark if scratched and ignite if hit with a hammer so its rather reactive. When i do do this reaction, i will take pictures as you requested