Abstract
Recently, the electrochemical recovery of metals from molten TiO2 - SiO2 - Al2O3 - MgO - CaO slag has been proven feasible. The use of the largest by-product of the ironmaking process as an electrolyte has the potential of producing titanium metal in a more sustainable and environmentally friendly manner than the current Kroll process. However, a more extensive understanding of the electrochemical behaviour of this complex oxide system in its molten state is paramount for the design of industrial electrolytic cells. In this work, we present the results from molten oxide electrolysis experiments performed above 1500 °C, and we discuss the effect of the experimental processing conditions on the reduction of Si and Ti ions from the melt.