Ultra-High Temperature Molten Oxide Electrochemistry

Recently, the ultra-high temperature electrochemistry (UTE, about >1000 degrees C) has emerged, which represents an exploration to extend the temperature limit of human technology in electrochemical engineering. UTE has far-reaching impact on revolutionary low-carbon metal extraction and the in situ production of oxygen for deep-space exploration. It is hence of urgency to systematically summarize the development of UTE. In this Review, the basic concepts of UTE and the physicochemical properties of molten oxides are analyzed. The principles in the design of inert anodes for the oxygen evolution reaction in molten oxides are discussed, which forms a solid basis for the in situ production of oxygen from simulated lunar regolith by UTE. Furthermore, liquid metal cathodes for revolutionary titanium extraction and ironmaking/steelmaking are highlighted. With emphasis on the key challenges and perspectives, the Review can provide valuable inspiration for the rapid advancement of UTE.

Automated summary

Recently, ultra-high temperature electrochemistry (UTE) has emerged, aiming to extend the temperature limit of human technology in electrochemical engineering, with far-reaching impact on metal extraction and oxygen production in deep-space exploration. The Review analyzes the physicochemical properties of molten oxides, discusses the design principles for inert anodes, and highlights the applications of liquid metal cathodes in titanium extraction and iron/steel production. The emphasis on key challenges and perspectives provides valuable inspiration for the rapid advancement of UTE.