Characteristics of an electrochemical reduction of Ta2O5 for the preparation of metallic tantalum in a LiCl–Li2O molten salt

The electrochemical reduction of Ta2O5 in a LiCl–Li2O molten salt system has been carried out in an electrolytic cell with an integrated cathode assembly. During the electrochemical run, Ta2O5 reacts chemically with Li2O to form LiTaO3. The chronopotentiometry method was used to prepare the metallic tantalum from Ta2O5. The electrolysis of Li2O and the reduction of Ta2O5 and/or LiTaO3 take place simultaneously at the cathode part of an electrolysis cell. The recycle of Li2O by an O2− diffusion occurs in the cell. The results suggest that the metallic tantalum is prepared successfully by an electrochemical reduction in the LiCl–Li2O molten salt.