Binchotan Charcoal as an Alternative to Calcined Petroleum Coke in Anodes in the Aluminum Industry

Abstract

The aluminum industry uses calcined petroleum coke to produce carbon anodes, which act as chemical reducers and electrical conductors in alumina electrolysis. The use of renewable sources could reduce the impacts of fossil materials. In this study, binchotan charcoal was characterized and compared with calcined petroleum coke, with the aim of using it in anode production. The physicochemical properties of the samples were characterized. Binchotan charcoal showed a high fixed carbon and a low ash content. The typical elements of the materials were identified, and high porosity was noted in the charcoal. The thermal behaviors of both materials were alike, and it was noted that charcoal is more influenced by moisture. The charcoal showed higher electrical resistivity compared to coke, and the X-ray diffraction patterns showed the presence of graphite in the samples. The results indicated that binchotan has the potential to partially replace petroleum coke in the aluminum industry.