Reduction of metal oxides in an electrolytic cell

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EP 2 770 086 A3

(12)	EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION

(88)	Date of publication A3:
	29.10.2014 Bulletin 2014/44

(43)	Date of publication A2:
	27.08.2014 Bulletin 2014/35

(21)	Application number: 14163470.9

(22)	Date of filing: 13.03.2003

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International Patent Classification (IPC):

C25C 3/28^(2006.01)

C22B 34/12^(2006.01)

(84)	Designated Contracting States:
	AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IT LI LU MC NL PT RO SE SI SK TR

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Priority:

13.03.2002 AU PS107102
19.06.2002 AU PS304902

(62)	Application number of the earlier application in accordance with Art. 76 EPC:
	03743767.0 / 1492905

(71)	Applicant: Metalysis Limited
	Wath Upon Dearne Rotherham S63 5DB (GB)

(72)	Inventors:
	Stretzov, Les Adamstown, New South Wales 2289 (AU) Ratchev, Ivan Georgetown, New South Wales 2298 (AU) Osborn, Steve Valentine, New South Wales 2280 (AU)

(74)	Representative: Goodman, Simon John Nye
	Reddie & Grose LLP 16 Theobalds Road London WC1X 8PL London WC1X 8PL (GB)

(54)	Reduction of metal oxides in an electrolytic cell

(57) A method of reducing a metal oxide, such as titania in a solid state in an electrolytic cell is disclosed. The electrolytic cell includes an anode, a cathode, and a molten electrolyte. The electrolyte includes cations of a metal that is capable of chemically reducing the metal oxide. The metal oxide in a solid state is immersed in the electrolyte. The method includes a step of operating the cell at a potential that is above a potential at which cations of the metal that is capable of chemically reducing the metal oxide deposit as the metal on the cathode, whereby the metal chemically reduces the metal oxide.

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