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 plat e 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 en d 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. Th e 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 catho de while in contact with molten electrolyte whereby electrochemical reduction o f 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.