Monatomic electrolyte and electrochemical process including the same

Abstract

A device and process that broadens the commercial and industrial applicability of metal extraction from ore by utilizing a novel substance as an electrolyte. The process overcomes the technical limitations of conventional electrolytic processes. A monatomic substance is used to create an electrolyte that avoids degradation, improves process kinetics, and minimizes end-product contamination. The electrolyte enables an electrochemical process at a lower operating temperature, offers a wider electrochemical potential window, and runs at higher reaction rates than either molten or aqueous processes. The device comprises a reactor, an electrochemical cell, a means for generating electromagnetic radiation, and a waveguide. The electrochemical cell is located within the reactor, and the means for generating electromagnetic radiation is coupled to the waveguide, and the waveguide is communicatively coupled to the reactor.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.