PROCESS FOR REDUCING OXIDE OF METAL SUCH AS TITANIUM IN ELECTROLYZER Russian patent published in 2007 - IPC C25C3/28 

FIELD: process for reducing titanium oxide in solid state.

SUBSTANCE: process is realized in electrolyzer that includes anode, cathode made at least partially of titanium oxide, melt electrolyte containing cations of metal capable for chemical reduction of cathode titanium oxide. Electrolyzer operates at potential exceeding potential value at which cations of metal capable for chemical reduction of cathode titanium oxide are deposited in the form of metal on cathode. In the result such metal provides chemical reduction of cathode titanium oxide. Electrolysis is realized at replenishing electrolyte and(or) changing potential of electrolyzer during later stages of its operation while taking into account reactions occurring in electrolyzer and oxygen concentration in titanium oxide in order to produce high-purity titanium.

EFFECT: possibility for producing high-purity (by oxygen) titanium in electrolyzer without purification and without performing other treatment processes outside electrolyzer.

9 cl, 1 dwg