Production of lithium by direct electrolysis of lithium carbonate
Patent 4988417 Issued on January 29, 1991. Estimated Expiration Date: 
December 29, 2008. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.
December 29, 2008. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.Patent ReferencesInventorAssigneeApplicationNo. 291527 filed on 12/29/1988US Classes:205/407, Lithium, sodium, or potassium204/243.1, Fused bath204/245, With feeding and/or withdrawal means204/246, Gas feeding204/292, Metallic204/294, Carbon containing204/295DiaphragmsExaminersPrimary: Valentine, Donald R.Attorney, Agent or FirmForeign Patent References
International ClassesC25C 003/02C25C 007/00 C25C 007/04 AbstractA method of electrolytically producing lithium includes providing an electrolytic cell having an anode compartment and a cathode compartment. The compartments are separated by a porous electrically nonconductive membrane which will be wetted by the electrolyte and permit migration of lithium ions therethrough. Lithium carbonate is introduced into the anode compartment and produces delivery of lithium ions from the anode compartment to the cathode compartment where such ions are converted into lithium metal. The membrane is preferably a non-glass oxide membrane such as a magnesium oxide membrane. The membrane serves to resist undesired backflow of the lithium from the cathode compartment through the membrane into the anode compartment. Undesired communication between the anode and cathode is further resisted by separating the air spaces thereover. This may be accomplished by applying an inert gas purge and a positive pressure in the cathode compartment.The apparatus preferably includes an electrolytic cell with an anode compartment and a cathode compartment and an electrically nonconductive membrane which is wettable by the electrolyte and will permit migration of the lithium ion therethrough while resisting reverse passage of lithium therethrough.Other References
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