The electrochemical behaviour of graphite and platinum electrodes has been studied in molten alkaline nitrates using cyclic voltammetry. The voltammograms obtained with graphite exhibit two current peaks not observed on platinum under similar conditions. An electrochemical reaction involving O₂− ion and NO has been shown to proceed via an oxide on the graphite electrode surface which can be electrochemically reduced. It was assumed the formation of the NO₃ intermediate is mainly responsible of the corrosion of the graphite in this melt. The thermal and electrochemical properties of graphite in the molten alkaline nitrate have been correlated.Instituto de Investigaciones Fisicoquímicas Teóricas y Aplicadas