Abstract
This study focused on the use of molten oxide electrolysis (MOE) as a low-cost, clean, continuous separation method suitable for incorporation into actual steelmaking processes. We discussed interfacial behavior from molten iron to slag by anodic polarization of the copper-containing carbon-saturated molten iron (metal phase)–molten oxide (slag phase) interface and investigate the operating mechanism of MOE. The basic constant potential electrolysis between the metal phase (Fe-10 wt% Cu-5.0 wt% C) and slag phase (27 wt% CaO-27 wt% SiO2−45 wt% Al2O3−1.0 wt% CaS) by maintaining 1–2 V vs Pt at 1773 K in an Ar atmosphere is described. When polarized, a high concentration of dispersed Cu-rich phase was detected locally near the metal–slag interface but not in the phase center of the metal. At the metal–slag interface, the energies of the Fe-rich and Cu-rich phase–slag interfaces decreased due to electric capillarity, and the Cu-rich phase distributed near the interface.
Funder
Japan Society for the Promotion of Science
Research Foundation for the Electrotechnology of Chubu
Publisher
The Electrochemical Society
Subject
Materials Chemistry,Electrochemistry,Surfaces, Coatings and Films,Condensed Matter Physics,Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment,Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials