Extraction of Tantalum from Ta₂O₅ Using SOM Process

Abstract

A novel process of solid-oxide-oxygen-ion conducting membrane (SOM) technique has been investigated to produce Ta metal directly from Ta2O5 in molten CaCl2. The sintered porous Ta2O5 pellet was employed as the cathode while liquid copper, saturated with graphite powder and encased in a one-end-closed yttria-stabilized-zirconia (YSZ) tube, acted as the anode. The particle sizes and porosity of the cathode pellets are important factors that have significant impact on the electrolysis process. The optimal experimental conditions is pellet sintering and electrolytic temperature 1100°C, cell voltage 3.5V, electrolysis time 2h.