Molten salt electrolysis of Titanium using a TiO_2-C composite anode in halide electrolytes

摘要

At RWTH Aachen University, Germany investigationsrnare ongoing in order to develop molten salt electrolysisrnof titanium using a TiO_2/C composite powder anode. Thernmain idea of the innovative process is based on thernfollowing principle. In a titanium halide (Hal) enrichedrnand halide based electrolyte, TiHal_x dissociates into Ti~(x+)rnand xHal~- at a defined potential (current density).rnSubsequently Ti~(x+) is deposited at the cathode and Halatomsrnform at the anode. In “statu nascendi” these Halatomsrnreact with the composite anode consisting of TiO_2rnand C. TiHal_x is formed again, which is dissolved in thernelectrolyte and a CO/CO_2-mixture leaves the anoderncompartment.rnThe paper will show that only iodide based electrolytesrnare suitable for this process and that the anoderncomposition is dependent on the working temperature.