Physical interpretation of the theory of reduction / oxidation of metals

Presented is the concept of physical theory of metals recovery in oxides, which is based on the exchange of electrons between the reducing agent and reducing cations. It is shown that reduction of metal may occur in the volume of oxide surrounded with oxygen anions. Reducing does not require any supply of reducing agent to the site of the metal phase precipitation or removal of reaction products therefrom. Metallic phase formation occurs through gradual transformation of the ionic to metal chemical bond, bypassing the stage of formation of the metal atoms. Isolation of a new phase is not experiencing difficulties due to interfacial tension, and its growth does not cause deformation of the crystal lattice oxide. Based on the developed concept all the observed recovery types are explained. It is shown that fundamental difference in the mechanism of formation of the metallic phase in the oxide and the oxide phase in the metal is a complete analogy with the processes of redistribution of electrons between the metal and a reducing agent, metal and the oxidant.