| About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2025 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
|
| Symposium
|
Rare Metal Extraction & Processing
|
| Presentation Title |
Molten oxide electrolysis for production of technology-critical metals |
| Author(s) |
Catherine M. Bishop, Kathryn T Ford, Ashkan V Takaloo, Aaron T Marshall, Matthew J Watson |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Catherine M. Bishop |
| Abstract Scope |
Molten oxide electrolysis (MOE) could enable a low-carbon route for production of technology-critical metals that are required for sustainable energy production. All-oxide MOE doesn’t create toxic halide waste, could use electrons generated from renewable energy sources and wouldn’t directly produce greenhouse gases if inert anodes can be identified. There are myriad technical challenges including electrolyte chemistry, conductivity and stability; crucible and electrode stability, conductivity and longevity; and feedstock chemistry. Thermodynamic predictions from CALPHAD provide guidance on optimal chemistry and cell operating conditions, but may not be available for systems and conditions of interest. Here we discuss progress on selective reduction of candidate metals, tantalum and neodymium, by MOE and ways to overcome their specific technical challenges. We identify candidate binary electrolytes for each target metal and characterise their properties and cell operating conditions. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Planned: |
| Keywords |
Electrometallurgy, |