Removal of oxygen from metal oxides and solid solutions by electrolysis in a fused salt
AssigneeMetalysis Limited
InventorsDerek John Fray, Thomas William Farthing, Zheng Chen
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The present invention pertains to a method for removing a substance (X) from a solid metal or semi-metal compound (M1X) by electrolysis in a melt of M2Y, which comprises conducting the electrolysis under conditions such that reaction of X rather than M2 deposition occurs at a electrode surface, and that X dissolves in the electrolyte M2Y. The substance X is either removed from the surface (i.e., M1X) or by means of diffusion extracted from the case material. The temperature of the fused salt is chosen below the melting temperature of the metal M1. The potential is chosen below the decomposition potential of the electrolyte.
Claims26
A method for removing a substance (X) from a solid metal, a metal compound or semi-metal compound (M1X) by electrolysis in a fused salt of M2Y or a mixture of salts, which comprises conducting the electrolysis under conditions such that reaction of X rather than M2 deposition occurs at an electrode surface, and that X dissolves in the electrolyte M2Y.
An alloy of a first metal or semi-metal component (M1) and a second metal or semi-metal component (MN).
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.