Segmented Cell for Electrowinning Titanium
Technology Description:
Case Western Reserve University is developing a specialized electrochemical cell that produces titanium from titanium salts using a series of layered membranes. Conventional titanium production is expensive and inefficient due to the high temperatures and multiple process steps required. The Case Western concept is to reduce the energy required for titanium metal production using an electrochemical reactor with multiple, thin membranes. The multi-membrane concept would limit side reactions and use one third of the energy required by today’s production methods.
Potential Impact:
If successful, Case Western’s cell would require one-third of the cost and energy associated with conventional titanium production systems by dramatically reducing the complexity of the process.
Security:
Light-weighting vehicles to improve fuel efficiency could reduce U.S. dependence on foreign fossil fuel resources used in the transportation industry.
Environment:
Reduce energy consumption from 100 kWhr/kg to 35 kWhr/kg, cutting CO2 emissions from titanium production by 65%.
Economy:
Case Western’s cell could enable production of high-grade titanium at $3/kg compared to $9/kg using conventional methods.
Contact
ARPA-E Program Director:
Dr. Grigorii Soloveichik
Project Contact:
Prof. Rohan Akolkar
Press and General Inquiries Email:
ARPA-E-Comms@hq.doe.gov
Project Contact Email:
rna3@case.edu
Related Projects
Release Date:
03/20/2013