Electrolyte treatment for aluminum reduction
US6497807B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 25, 2000 |
| Grant date | Dec 24, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 25, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC25C3/18
- WIPO fieldSurface technology, coating
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A method of treating an electrolyte for use in the electrolytic reduction of alumina to aluminum employing an anode and a cathode, the alumina dissolved in the electrolyte, the treating improving wetting of the cathode with molten aluminum during electrolysis. The method comprises the steps of providing a molten electrolyte comprised of ALF3 and at least one salt selected from the group consisting of NaF, KF and LiF, and treating the electrolyte by providing therein 0.004 to 0.2 wt. % of a transition metal or transition metal compound for improved wettability of the cathode with molten aluminum during subsequent electrolysis to reduce alumina to aluminum.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.