In Situ Energy-Dispersive X-ray Diffraction Studies of Molten Salt Electrolysis

摘要

Molten salt electrolysis is a key technology in the field of extractive metallurgy. It is used extensively in the production of light metals such as aluminium, lithium and magnesium [1], and there are on-going efforts to replace the inefficient Kroll process [2] used in titanium production, with a more cost-effective electrolytic route [3]. At present, all commercial molten salt electrowinning cells employ carbon-based anodes which are consumed by the process, producing copious amounts of CO_2 and requiring frequent replacement. In the case of the Fray-Farthing-Chen Cambridge (FFC) process [4], arguably the most viable of the electrolytic alternatives for producing titanium, the use of carbon-based anodes also results in cyclic side reactions that severely reduce the efficiency of the process [5]. If the FFC process is to compete directly with the Kroll process, an inert alternative to carbon anodes must be found.