Solid Oxide Membrane (SOM) for Cost Effective and Environmentally Sound Production of Magnesium Directly from Magnesium Oxide

摘要

Solid Oxide Membrane (SOM) process is being investigated for the direct reduction of magnesium from magnesium oxide. The proof of concept for magnesium extraction by the SOM process was demonstrated earlier using a Magnesium Fluoride based flux system at 1300℃. Since the YSZ anode is the most expensive part of the system, its long-term stability is critical to the success and eventual commercialization of the SOM process. Efforts to increase membrane stability have resulted in the development of a new lower-temperature flux (1150℃). Minor additions of Yttrium-containing compounds to the flux was seen to further improve the YSZ anode stability. This paper reports on the decrease in operating temperature (1150℃) of the Magnesium SOM process.