REMOVAL OF OXYGEN FROM METAL OXIDES AND SOLID SOLUTIONS BY ELECTROLYSIS IN A FUSED SALT

摘要

A method for removing a substance (X) from a solid metal or semi-metal compound (M1X) by electrolysis in a melt of M2Y, comprises conducting the electrolysis under conditions such that reaction of X rather than M2 deposition occurs at an electrode surface, and that X dissolves in the electrolyte M2Y. The substance X is either removed from the surface (i.c. M1X) or by means of diffusion extracted from the care material. The temperature of the fused salt is chosen below the melting temperature of the metal M1. The potential is chosen below the decomposition potential of the electrolyte.