Device for reducing a metal ion from a salt melt

Abstract

Between an anode and a cathode, a salt melt containing a metal ion is separated from the anode by a gap across which an electric arc can be formed. The metal ion is deposited on the anode and subsequently removed.

1 - 10 . (canceled) 
     
     
         11 . An apparatus for reducing a metal ion in a salt melt, comprising:
 a cathode; and   an anode disposed above the salt melt with a gap for formation of an electric arc therebetween.   
     
     
         12 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 11 , wherein the salt melt comprises oxygen ions. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 11 , wherein the salt melt comprises a rare earth metal ion. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 11 , wherein the anode is inert toward materials in the salt melt. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 11 ,
 further comprising an electrolysis vessel accommodating the salt melt; and   wherein the cathode is electrically connected to a wall of the electrolysis vessel.   
     
     
         16 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 15 , wherein the cathode is arranged at a bottom of the electrolysis vessel. 
     
     
         17 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 11 , wherein a plasma prevails above the salt melt. 
     
     
         18 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 17 , wherein an inert gas which forms the plasma is present above the salt melt. 
     
     
         19 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 11 ,
 further comprising an inert gas feed line and an offgas outlet, and   wherein the salt melt has a surface separated from air surrounding the apparatus.   
     
     
         20 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 11 , wherein the salt melt comprises an oxide of the metal ion to be reduced and additional oxides.