Verification and implications of the dissolution–electrodeposition process during the electro-reduction of solid silica in molten CaCl2

Abstract

With the verification of the existence of the dissolution–electrodeposition mechanism during the electro-reduction of solid silica in molten CaCl₂, the present study not only provides direct scientific support for the controllable electrolytic extraction of nanostructured silicon in molten salts but it also opens an avenue to a continuous silicon extraction process via the electro-deposition of dissolved silicates in molten CaCl₂. In addition, the present study increases the general understanding of the versatile material extraction route via the electro-deoxidization process of solid oxides in molten salts, which also provokes reconsiderations on the electrochemistry of insulating compounds.