Abstract: A process for the production of non-metallic element Nm or a mixture/compound containing Nm from a non-metal halide NmX.sub.n or a coplex halide A.sub.m NmX.sub.o by electrolysis in a cell comprising an anode, a liquid metal cathode comprising one or more metals M and a liquid electrolyte comprising a salt melt of one or more alkali metal or alkaline earth metal halides, which comprises introducing non-metallic halide NmX.sub.n or complex halide A.sub.m MnX.sub.o, in which Nm represents a non-metallic element selected from the groups 3a, 4a, 5a and 6a of the periodic system, X represents halogen, n represents the valency of Nm, A represents an alkali metal and o represents the valency of Nm minus m, into the liquid metal cathode, and isolating Nm or a mixture/compound containing Nm from the metal cathode material.

Abstract: A process for the production of metal Me or an alloy containing metal Me from a metal halide MeX.sub.n by electrolysis in a cell comprising an anode, a liquid metal cathode comprising one or more metals M and a liquid electrolyte comprising a salt melt of one or more alkali metal or alkaline earth metal halides, which comprises introducing metal halide MeX.sub.n, in which Me represents a metal selected from the groups 2b, 3b (including the lanthanide series and the actinide series), 7b and 8 of the periodic system and Cr, Cu, Au, Ga, Sn, Pb and Bi, X represents halogen and n represents the valency of the metal Me, into the liquid metal cathode and isolating Me or an alloy containing Me from the metal cathode material.

Abstract: A process for the production of metal Me and/or an alloy containing metal from a complex metal halide A.sub.m MeX.sub.o by electroylsis in a cell comprising an anode, a liquid metal cathode comprising one or more metals M and a liquid electrolyte comprising a salt melt of one or more alkali metal or alkaline earth metal halides, which comprises introducing complex metal halide A.sub.m MeX.sub.o, in which A represents an alkali metal, Me represents a metal, X represents halogen and o represents the valency of Me plus m, into the liquid metal cathode and isolating Me and/or an alloy containing Me from the metal cathode material.

Abstract: A fluidized bed electrolysis cell comprising one or more particulate electrodes provided with one or more current feeders carrying on their surfaces a protective film of valve metal oxide, and one or more diaphragms for separating the anode compartments from the cathode compartments in the cell.