PtCl2 is soluble in LiCl melt and hence platinum becomes a sacrificial anode in chloride melts. In order to avoid the physical damage of platinum anode, it is necessary to maintain the electrode potential negative to the platinum dissolution potential. This can be achieved by the addition of an appropriate oxide to the chloride melt. The oxide ions thus becoming available in the melt will oxidize on the platinum electrode at potentials cathodic to platinum dissolution and thus can protect the electrode from its consumption.