ELECTRO-REDUCTION PROCESS

摘要

A method for producing a metal, metalloid or alloy from a metal oxide, metalloid oxide or mixture of oxides of alloying elements forming a working electrode, by electrolysis in a fused salt or mixture of salts in the presence of a counter-electrode, the method comprising applying to the working electrode a plurality of electrolysis cycles, wherein at least one part of the electrolysis cycle is conducted at a cathodic potential relative to the counter-electrode under conditions so as to remove oxygen from the metal, metalloid or mixed oxide; and wherein at least one other part of the electrolysis cycle is conducted at an anodic voltage relative to the counter-electrode such that ionisation of metallic impurities from the oxide rather than removal of oxygen occurs and said impurities are released into the electrolyte.