Electrolytic extraction of a metal from its metal compound: estimates of optimal energy requirements and their consequences

To ensure the sustainability of a world whose growing population demands more materials, products, and energy, we must closely examine the sustainability of the industries that supply them. Metal-making industries encounter an opportunity space at the extraction stage of a metal life cycle when aiming at making a significant impact in energy efficiency and carbon emission mitigation. We first develop a thermodynamic model that establishes the technical criteria for the most efficient operation of an electrolytic cell for a variety of metals. Second, we explore the rigidity of the operating boundary conditions and their impact on energy consumption. We then proceed to examine the energy and carbon impact of a hypothetical electrolytic ferrochromium operation in the United States. This case study demonstrates that the thermodynamic model can serve as a reference framework through which diverse stakeholders can compare the environmental impact of existing and innovative metal extraction processes in order to make informed decisions about environmental regulation, investments, subsidies, and mineral resource management.

Department dc:contributor.department

Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Engineering Systems Division.

Grantor dc:publisher

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2015

Author dc:creator

• Angarita Fonseca, Maria Paula

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Antoine Allanore.

• Engineering Systems Division.
• Technology and Policy Program.

Statement dc:rights

• M.I.T. theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. See provided URL for inquiries about permission.

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/7582

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/98004

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dspace.mit.edu:1721.1/98004