Method for Production of Metal by Molten-Salt Electrolysis and Method for Production of Titanium Metal

Abstract

A method for production of metal by molten-salt electrolysis is a method for production of metal by molten-salt electrolysis which is performed by filling molten salt of a metal chloride in an electrolysis vessel having an anode and a cathode, and a molten salt which reduces solubility of the metal in the molten salt is used.

1 . A process for production of a metal by molten-salt electrolysis, the process comprising a step of filling metal chloride in an electrolysis vessel having an anode and a cathode, 
 wherein a molten salt which reduces solubility of the metal in the molten salt is used.    
     
     
         2 . The process for production of a metal by molten-salt electrolysis according to  claim 1 , 
 wherein the metal generated by the electrolysis is recovered alone or as a mixture of the molten salt and the metal.    
     
     
         3 . The process for production of a metal by molten-salt electrolysis according to  claim 1 , 
 wherein the molten salt contains at least one selected from calcium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium chloride, and calcium fluoride.    
     
     
         4 . The process for production of a metal by molten-salt electrolysis according to  claim 1 , 
 wherein the molten salt is a mixed salt of calcium chloride with potassium chloride, sodium chloride, or calcium fluoride, and    a composition of the potassium chloride, sodium chloride, or calcium fluoride versus the calcium chloride is a eutectic composition or is not more than the eutectic composition.    
     
     
         5 . The process for production of a metal by molten-salt electrolysis according to  claim 1 , 
 wherein the metal is calcium, potassium, or sodium.    
     
     
         6 . The process for production of a metal by molten-salt electrolysis according to  claim 1 , 
 wherein the temperature of the molten salt is not less than the eutectic temperature of a mixed salt of calcium chloride with potassium chloride, sodium chloride, or calcium fluoride and is not more than 1000° C., and    wherein the metal generated by the electrolysis is generated alone or as a mixture of the molten salt and the metal.    
     
     
         7 . The process for production of a metal by molten-salt electrolysis according to  claim 6 , 
 wherein the solubility of metal in the molten salt is not more than 3%.    
     
     
         8 . A process for production of titanium metal comprising a step of using the metal produced in the method according to  claim 1 , as a reducing agent of titanium tetrachloride.