THE PRODUCTION OF ZN FROM ZNO IN A HIGH-TEMPERATURE SOLAR DECOMPOSITION QUENCH PROCESS - I - THE SCIENTIFIC FRAMEWORK FOR THE PROCESS

We present a theoretical and experimental study of a solar decompositi on process for producing Zn and O-2 from ZnO(s). The decomposition ste p occurs at temperatures near 2000 K, and the gaseous products are que nched. A numerical model that uses the latest kinetic data for the dec omposition and reoxidation reactions suggests that Zn conversions as h igh as 80% can be obtained with solar flux densities of 2 MW m(-2). Th e decomposition and quench were effected in a solar furnace and in a s olar furnace simulator. Zn yields were as high as 90% depending in par t on the dilution ratio and quenching surface's temperature. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.