Refractory and Reactive Metal Extraction by Fused Salt Electrolysis

Abstract

Electrolytic processes in fused salts have a definite role to play in the extraction and processing of refractory and reactive metals. These processes have a great potential to directly extract metal without the use of any chemical reductant and also have the possibility of operating on a continuous or semicontinuous basis. This paper describes the fused salt electrolytic processes as applied to the extraction of refractory metals of the IVA to VIA Groups and rare earth metals. The paper is composed of three main parts: The first part deals with the theoretical aspects of electrolytic processes; the second part deals with technological aspects; and the third part essentially reviews the status of electrolytic processes as applied to various metals. Finally, this paper also includes a brief coverage on electroplating and electroforming of refractory metals. © 1993, Walter de Gruyter. Alle Rechte vorbehalten.