New Primary Cell Method Produces Ultra-High Purity Magnesia (99.95%) with Clean Power Co-Generation

Tangshan, China – December 2, 2023 – A groundbreaking technology for producing ultra-high purity magnesia (MgO) was unveiled at a press conference held in the Tangshan Haigang Economic Development Zone. Developed independently by the Beijing Institute of Technology (Tangshan) Transformation Research Center, the "primary cell method for ultra-high purity magnesia" marks a major advancement in advanced material manufacturing.

Ultra-high purity magnesia is an essential raw material for fine chemicals and high-temperature refractories. It is widely used in high-end industries such as aerospace, defense, and electronics. Traditional production methods include ore calcination and seawater/brine extraction. Ore calcination achieves a maximum purity of only 98.5%, which no longer meets the demands of high-end metallurgical manufacturing in China. Meanwhile, the seawater synthesis processes developed by Japan, the United States, and Europe have long held a monopoly on high-purity magnesia production.

On December 1, an expert appraisal committee organized by the CAS Tangshan High-tech R&D and Transformation Center evaluated the "Primary Cell Method for Ultra-High Purity Magnesia/Power Co-Generation" project completed by the Transformation Research Center (School of Mechanical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology) in the Tangshan Haigang Economic Development Zone.

The expert committee concluded: "Based on electrochemical principles, the project developed a novel primary cell using pure magnesium as the anode, a self-developed nano-scale carbon/non-noble metal catalyst as the composite cathode, and a neutral aqueous electrolyte. By connecting to a power storage medium, electrical devices, or the power grid, the system outputs clean electricity while producing ultra-high purity magnesium hydroxide. After calcination, this yields ultra-high purity magnesia with a purity of up to 99.95%."

The experts highlighted the project's distinct innovations in electrochemical cell design, high-efficiency cathode catalysis that accelerates reaction rates, and seamless co-generation of electric power and valuable products.

The technology enables efficient and clean production of ultra-high purity magnesia, providing a new technical pathway that holds significant practical value for enhancing the performance and functionality of magnesia-based materials and high-temperature ceramics. The process and production methods have been thoroughly validated through laboratory experiments and pilot-scale trials, demonstrating stable product quality, advanced maturity, and readiness for mass production.

According to the project team, this achievement offers strong social, economic, and environmental benefits with broad application prospects. It also serves as a model for cross-sector collaboration, mutual benefit, and integrated development.