Patent ID: 8852419
Filing Date: 2014-10-07
Classification: C25C

Abstract:
1. A method of producing magnesium from a feedstock material including magnesium oxide and magnesium not bonded in the magnesium oxide, comprising: providing a liquid electrolyte capable of dissolving magnesium oxide; providing a cathode in electrical contact with the electrolyte; providing an anode, separated from the electrolyte by a membrane capable of conducting oxygen anions; melting the feedstock material, the melted feedstock material being in an electronically conductive liquid, in contact with the electrolyte along a horizontal interface and not in contact with either of the cathode and the membrane; extracting electrons from the electronically conductive liquid, thereby generating species bearing magnesium in an oxidized state in the electrolyte; and providing electrons to the cathode, thereby forming elemental magnesium thereat.