Abstract: A method of and system for electrolytic production of reactive metals is presented. The method includes providing a molten oxide electrolytic cell including a container, an anode, and a current collector and disposing a molten oxide electrolyte within the container and in ion conducting contact with the anode and the current collector. The electrolyte includes a mixture of at least one alkaline earth oxide and at least one rare earth oxide. The method also includes providing a metal oxide feedstock including at least one target metal species into the molten oxide electrolyte and applying a current between the anode and the current collector, thereby reducing the target metal species to form at least one molten target metal in the container.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
July 31, 2018
Date of Patent:
February 28, 2023
Assignee:
Boston Electrometallurgical Corporation
Inventors:
Robert W. Hyers, James A. Yurko, Donald R. Sadoway
Abstract: Metallurgical assemblies and systems according to the present technology may include a refractory vessel including sides and a base. The base may define a plurality of apertures centrally located within the base. The sides and the base may at least partially define an interior volume of the refractory vessel. The assemblies may include a lid removably coupled with the refractory vessel and configured to form a seal with the refractory vessel. The lid may define a plurality of apertures through the lid. The assemblies may also include a current collector proximate the base of the refractory vessel. The current collector may include conductive extensions positioned within the plurality of apertures centrally located within the base.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 17, 2018
Date of Patent:
February 28, 2023
Assignee:
Boston Electrometallurgical Corporation
Inventors:
Robert Hyers, Guillaume Lambotte, Matthew Humbert, Richard Bradshaw