Metalysis Limited

Cambridge Univ. Technical Services, Ltd.

Zheng Chen

Derek Fray

Thomas William Farthing

The present invention pertains to a method for removing a substance (X) from a solid metal or semi-metal compound (MX) by electrolysis in a melt of MY, which comprises conducting the electrolysis under conditions such that reaction of X rather than Mdeposition occurs at a electrode surface, and that X dissolves in the electrolyte MY. The substance X is either removed from the surface (i.e., MX) or by means of diffusion extracted from the case material. The temperature of the fused salt is chosen below the melting temperature of the metal M. The potential is chosen below the decomposition potential of the electrolyte.

Removal of substances from metal and semi-metal compounds

The present invention pertains to a method for removing a substance (X) from a solid metal or semi-metal compound (M X) by electrolysis in a melt of M Y, which comprises conducting the electrolysis under conditions such that reaction of X rather than M deposition occurs at a electrode surface, and that X dissolves in the electrolyte M Y. The substance X is either removed from the surface (i.e., M X) or by means of diffusion extracted from the case material. The temperature of the fused salt is chosen below the melting temperature of the metal M . The potential is chosen below the decomposition potential of the electrolyte.

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Cambridge, United Kingdom

Zheng Chen