Founders & Invention

The invention’s originality stems from the removal of the oxide ion from a non-conducting material (i.e. the metal oxide) at the cathode. The oxide ion is then carried across a molten salt electrolyte to the anode where it reacts with carbon to form carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide that then bubbles off. The first patent was filed in 1998 and the invention was first announced in the September 2000 edition of Nature Magazine, creating a storm of excitement and interest.

Dr George Chen

Dr George Chen was working at the Material Science and Metallurgy Department at the University of Cambridge, when he started to investigate methods of eliminating the oxygen that had formed on the surface of titanium when exposed to hot air. In late 1996 he realised that he had discovered the direct electrochemical reduction of solid titanium dioxide to titanium metal in a molten salt.

Professor Derek Fray

Professor Derek Fray, who was then the head of the Material Science and Metallurgy Department, then suggested that Dr George Chen repeat the experiment on small pellets of titanium dioxide powder. This was carried out successfully and later found to be generically applicable to many other metals. The process was named the FFC Process after the inventors and the University in which it was discovered.

Dr Tom Farthing

Dr Tom Farthing is now retired. During his career he was a fellow at the University of Cambridge working within the Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy. Previously Dr Tom Farthing was the Managing Director of IMI Titanium, and General Manager of IMI Research & Development. He was also elected Fellow of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers and a council member of the Society of British Aerospace Companies.