Inert anodes for aluminium production

摘要

Many groups have invested considerable research and development efforts over several decades in seeking the elusive replacement/or carbon as the material to make anodes for electrolytic aluminum production. Two companies recently announced major progress with non-carbon anodes, often referred to as inert anodes. In trials in commercial scale cells Alcoa replaced all carbon anodes with non-carbon anodes, although it now appears that this research program may be ending. Development continues on a different technology at Moltech Systems Limited. They have developed an inert anode and tested it in commercial cells, and also as a full replacement in pilot cells. This paper discusses the potential benefits on non-carbon anodes and reports of development progress by Moltech.