ISSN print edition: 0366-6352 ISSN electronic edition: 1336-9075 Registr. No.: MK SR 9/7 Published monthly

Simultaneous addition of lithium fluoride and magnesium fluoride in the aluminum electrolysis

K. Grjotheim and K. Matiašovský

Department of Chemistry, University of Oslo, Blindem, N-Oslo 3, Norway

Abstract: The fundamental condition for increasing the current efficiency in aluminium electrolysis is the lowering of the operational temperature. This can be achieved by means of additives to the conventional electrolyte. The requirements which must be fulfilled by the additive are formulated. The influences of various potential additives on the important physicochemical properties of the electrolyte and on the industrially important parameters of the aluminium electrolysis are compared. It has been found that of all additives tested, LiF and MgF₂ are best suited. The possibility of their simultaneous application is discussed and tentative "optimum concentrations" of the additives are suggested.

Full paper in Portable Document Format: 373a409.pdf

Chemical Papers 37 (3) 409–424 (1983)