Operating parameters of aluminum electrolysis in a KF-AlF3 based electrolyte

Abstract

Sustained, stable operation of low-temperature, potassium-cryolite-based aluminum electrolysis in 20 and 100 ampere cells fitted with vertical metal anodes and wetted cathodes was performed. The current efficiency, the amount of consumed alumina, and the amount of aluminum produced during electrolysis were calculated based on the measured amount of oxygen evolved on the anode. The purity of the recovered aluminum was analyzed throughout electrolysis. The cell voltage anomalies caused by the presence of sodium fluoride in the electrolyte were studied using a quasi-reference electrode.