Effect of the Changed Electrolytic Cell on the Current Efficiency in FFC Cambridge Process

Abstract

Low current ef ciency of the FFC Cambridge process made it no obvious advantages in cost compared with the traditional process to produce metals. Effect of the changed electrolysis cell on the current ef ciency has been studied. Put the cathode into an alumina tube with a hole can ef ciently avoid short circuit and the cathode contaminated by carbon produced from graphite anode. The results show that the current ef ciency can be improved greatly by reducing the electric eld intensity in the electrolysis cell. The high background current is mainly caused by the electronic conductivity in the electrolysis cell. Otherwise, pollution of the cathode is avoided, the depletion of the anode sharply decreases and the deoxidation of the samples greatly improve when using the improvement electrolysis cell.

Interactions of molten salts with cathode products in the FFC Cambridge Process

“…In addition, using the tube in the electrolysis led to a significantly lower current flow than that without using the tube (Fig. 8(d)); however, the oxide pellet that was electro-reduced inside the tube could reach an oxygen content about 15wt% lower than that without using the tube [64]. These findings indicate high current and energy efficiencies.…”

“…An alumina tube (sheath) was used to enclose the oxide pellet cathode from the gas phase and block most mass movement between the anode and cathode in the molten salt, leaving a small hole in the tube side wall to continue the ionic conduction path (Fig. 8(a)) [34,[64][65]. This approach worked highly effectively in the elimination of the effect of carbon debris.…”

Recent Studies on Titanium Refining: 2017–2020

“…They also introduced the development of anodic materials in these processes. 15) Hu et al 16) pointed out the low current efficiency of the FFC process, which may be improved by reducing the electric field intensity in the electronic cell. They claimed that the background current was due to high electronic conductivity.…”

Carbon-Free Recovery Route for Pure Ti: CuTi-Alloy Electrorefining in a K-Free Molten Salt

“…Numerous studies have analyzed a well-known Fray–Farthing–Chen (FFC) Cambridge process for Ti production involving the direct reduction of TiO 2 in a CaCl 2 –CaO melt. − Although the direct reduction of Ti exhibits high potential for Ti production in the future, its utilization of consumable carbon anodes limits its practicability. The carbon anodes facilitate carbonate formation and other side reactions, significantly decreasing the current efficiency and contaminating cathodic depositions . Thus, the direct reduction of TiO 2 by electrolysis is not an effective process for Ti production.…”

“…The carbon anodes facilitate carbonate formation and other side reactions, significantly decreasing the current efficiency and contaminating cathodic depositions. 6 Thus, the direct reduction of TiO 2 by electrolysis is not an effective process for Ti production. Ti extraction from TiC and TiCO by the electrolysis of their molten salts has also been analyzed; 7,8 free-carbon formation in the electrolyte complicates Ti extraction and decreases the current efficiency.…”