| About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2025 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
|
| Symposium
|
Magnesium Technology 2025
|
| Presentation Title |
Magnesium Primary Production from MgO using Molten Salt Electrolysis and G-METS Distillation |
| Author(s) |
Connor Wirsing, Charles Logman, Sarah Fenton, Dimitry Blazy, Jameson Courtney, Daniel McArthur Sehar, Artem Iurkovskyi, Adam C. Powell |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Adam C. Powell |
| Abstract Scope |
Low-cost energy-efficient MgO reduction could dramatically expand the use of magnesium metal for vehicle lightweighting and energy storage. This presentation will discuss recent advances in a method for reducing MgO to metal using molten salt electrolysis with a reactive liquid metal cathode, such as tin, followed by distillation, and return of the reactive cathode metal to the electrolysis cell. The MgF<sub>2</sub>-CaF<sub>2</sub> electrolyte, operating temperature, raw material form, and anode compatibility make the electrolysis step roughly compatible with existing aluminum smelting infrastructure. Challenges include cathode selection, cathode dynamics at high current density, dealing with impurities, and separation of waste streams. This system is potentially compatible with inert anode technologies. Energy and MgO raw material are the main costs, and with inert anodes, there are no direct emissions. The presentation will address capital costs and scope 2 emissions. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Planned: |
| Keywords |
Extraction and Processing, Magnesium, Environmental Effects |