Chemistry: electrical and wave energy – Processes and products
Patent
1988-12-29
1991-01-29
Valentine, Donald R.
Chemistry: electrical and wave energy
Processes and products
204243R, 204245, 204246, 204292, 204294, 204295, C25C 302, C25C 700, C25C 704
Patent
active
049884174
ABSTRACT:
A method of electrolytically producing lithium includes providing an electrolytic cell having an anode compartment and a cathode compartment. The compartments are separated by a porous electrically nonconductive membrane which will be wetted by the electrolyte and permit migration of lithium ions therethrough. Lithium carbonate is introduced into the anode compartment and produces delivery of lithium ions from the anode compartment to the cathode compartment where such ions are converted into lithium metal. The membrane is preferably a non-glass oxide membrane such as a magnesium oxide membrane. The membrane serves to resist undesired backflow of the lithium from the cathode compartment through the membrane into the anode compartment. Undesired communication between the anode and cathode is further resisted by separating the air spaces thereover. This may be accomplished by applying an inert gas purge and a positive pressure in the cathode compartment.
The apparatus preferably includes an electrolytic cell with an anode compartment and a cathode compartment and an electrically nonconductive membrane which is wettable by the electrolyte and will permit migration of the lithium ion therethrough while resisting reverse passage of lithium therethrough.
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Aluminum Company of America
Glantz Douglas G.
Silverman Arnold B.
Valentine Donald R.
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