Electrochemical reduction of metal oxides

摘要

An electrolytic cell for electrochemically reducing metal oxide powders and/or pellets is disclosed. The cell includes a cathode ( 25 ) in the form of a plate that has an upper surface for supporting metal oxide powders and/or pellets. The plate is horizontally disposed or slightly inclined and has a forward end and a rearward end and is immersed in an electrolyte bath. The plate is supported for movement so as to cause metal oxide powders and/or pellets on the upper surface of the plate to move toward a forward end of the plate. The cell also includes a means for causing metal oxide powders and/or pellets to move over the upper surface of the plate toward the forward end of the cathode while in contact with molten electrolyte whereby electrochemical reduction of the metal oxide to metal can occur. A method of continuously or semi-continuously reducing metal oxide powders and/or pellets in the cell is also disclosed.