Molten fluorides for rare earth electro-reduction

image of lab equipment at Colorado School of Mines
Molten salt cell experimental apparatus at Colorado School of Mines

This CMI-funded research was conducted at Colorado School of Mines with CMI Team industry partner Infinium

Achievement:

Delivery of model describing the reduction of rare earth oxides in molten fluoride electrolysis cell

symbols in equation

Significance and Impact:

  • The model is complete and has been partially validated using published data
  • Discovered optimized operating conditions
graphs measuring decomposition
Molten salt cell model and performance characteristics

Details and Next Steps:

  • Made fundamental property measurements, including density, viscosity, liquidus, solubility and conductivity
  • Further improvements will be made at Infinium and/or Colorado School of Mines
  • CMI Team Member Infinium provided technical advice and supplies to this project

For further information on this CMI-funded research, contact Patrick Taylor at Colorado School of Mines