Extraction of metallic niobium using a consumable NbCxOy anode

This study demonstrates the synthesis of a NbC x O y solid solution through carbothermic reduction and the subsequent extraction of metallic niobium through molten salt electrolysis. Thermodynamic analysis and carbothermic reduction were conducted to determine the optimal conditions for synthesizing the NbC x O y solid solution at different compositions, enabling precise control over their composition. Furthermore, metallic niobium was produced via the molten salt electrolysis of the selected NbC x O y solid solution for 16 h at 2.9 V in the NaCl–KCl eutectic molten salt at 750 °C.