Development of a synthesis method of titanium plates and its alloys by electrochemical reduction of titanium oxide

• Project/Area Number: 15K14191
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Challenging Exploratory Research
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Metal making/Resorce production engineering
• Research Institution: Ehime University (2016-2017); The University of Tokyo (2015)
• Principal Investigator: Sasaki Hideaki 愛媛大学, 理工学研究科(工学系), 講師 (10581746)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 前田 正史 東京大学, 生産技術研究所, 教授 (70143386)
• Project Period (FY): 2015-04-01 – 2018-03-31
• Project Status: Completed (Fiscal Year 2017)
• Budget Amount: ¥3,380,000 (Direct Cost: ¥2,600,000、Indirect Cost: ¥780,000); Fiscal Year 2017: ¥650,000 (Direct Cost: ¥500,000、Indirect Cost: ¥150,000); Fiscal Year 2016: ¥1,690,000 (Direct Cost: ¥1,300,000、Indirect Cost: ¥390,000); Fiscal Year 2015: ¥1,040,000 (Direct Cost: ¥800,000、Indirect Cost: ¥240,000)
• Keywords: 溶融塩電解 / 電気分解

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Electrochemical measurements were carried out with an electrolyte containing lithium and titanium oxides in order to observe the reduction of titanium ions in molten oxide. Appropriate materials for the electrolyte container and anodic reactions at a counter electrode were discussed. Stable measurements were conducted when a zirconium oxide crucible was used not only as a container for molten oxide but also solid state electrolyte. The zirconia crucible was immersed in molten iron-carbon alloy which acts as the anode. Using the experimental setup developed in this study will elucidate in greater detail electrochemical reactions of titanium in molten oxide.