Developing an energy-efficient electrolytic cell for magnesium

About 80% of all magnesium is produced by an electrolytic process. The electrolytic route is an energy-intensive process, and many of the developed countries have realized the need to produce magnesium in a more cost-effective manner. Toward this goal, a less energy-intensive, more compact electrolytic cell has been developed at the Central Electrochemical Research Institute, India. A 2,200 A cell was operated for more than six weeks to study the feasibility of the technology. Higher current and energy efficiencies were realized, and specific energy consumption was reduced to around 11.5 kWh/kg of metal.