A lower carbon footprint process for production of metals from their oxide sources

This paper will describe the solid oxide membrane (SOM) process as it applies to the energy-efficient and environmentally sound production of magnesium from magnesium oxide. Also, it will describe the challenges encountered while using this process for the production of transition metals like titanium from its higher oxides. Finally, a novel magnesiothermic SOM process will be proposed that can enable production of transition metals from its higher oxides.