Direct electrochemical reduction of metal-oxides
US6540902B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 5, 2001 |
| Grant date | Apr 1, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 16, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC25C3/34
- WIPO fieldSurface technology, coating
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A method of controlling the direct electrolytic reduction of a metal oxide or mixtures of metal oxides to the corresponding metal or metals. A non-consumable anode and a cathode and a salt electrolyte with a first reference electrode near the non-consumable anode and a second reference electrode near the cathode are used. Oxygen gas is produced and removed from the cell. The anode potential is compared to the first reference electrode to prevent anode dissolution and gas evolution other than oxygen, and the cathode potential is compared to the second reference electrode to prevent production of reductant metal from ions in the electrolyte.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.