Abstract: The subject invention pertains to methods for processing a solid material (M1X) comprising a solid solution of a non-metal species (X) in a metal or semi-metal (M1) or a compound between the non-metal species and the metal or semi-metal is immersed in a molten salt (M2Y). A cathodic potential is applied to the material to remove a portion of the non-metal species by electro-deoxidation. To remove the non-metal species at lower concentrations, a source of a reactive metal (M3) is immersed in the molten salt and is electronically connected to the material. Reactions occur at the material, where the non-metal species dissolves in the salt, and at the reactive metal, which reacts with the non-metal species dissolved in the salt to form a reaction product more stable than a compound between the non-metal species and the metal or semi-metal (M1). The non-metal species is thus removed from the solid material.

Abstract: A method for the production of an intermetallic compound (M1Z) involves treating a solid precursor material comprising three or more species, including first and second metal or metalloid species (M1, Z) and a non-metal species (X), by electro-deoxidation in contact with a melt comprising a fused salt (M2Y) under conditions whereby the non-metal species dissolves in the melt. The first and second metal or metalloid species form an intermetallic compound. The method is performed in a cell comprising a cathode of the precursor material (2), which is immersed in a melt (8) contained in a crucible (6) for electro-deoxidation.

Abstract: A method for the production of an intermetallic compound (M1Z) involves treating a solid precursor material comprising three or more species, including first and second metal or metalloid species (M1, Z) and a non-metal species (X), by electro-deoxidation in contact with a melt comprising a fused salt (M2Y) under conditions whereby the non-metal species dissolves in the melt. The first and second metal or metalloid species form an intermetallic compound. The method is performed in a cell comprising a cathode of the precursor material (2), which is immersed in a melt (8) contained in a crucible (6) for electro-deoxidation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adding a metal, for example sodium, to a melt of a material, for example aluminum, in a vessel, in which a molten compound of the metal or a solution of a compound of the metal is provided in a container (12), the container being positioned outside the vessel, the compound is electrolytically decomposed and ions of the metal are caused to pass through a wall of a solid-state electrolyte (14) which is a conductor therefor, from a first side of the wall to an opposite second side thereof, and to combine with electrons at the second side of the wall and then to flow as molten metal from the container into the melt in the vessel.