In the Hall-Héroult process I know the anode is carbon but what is the cathode made from?


Also what are the by-products of the bayer process and the Hall-Héroult process

Usually the cathode would be made of the metal that's being deposited, Aluminum in this case. However, the process is hot enough to melt the aluminum. There are a number of patents so I think there are a number of different cathode materials. One is to use a carbon cathode as well as an anode. It's probably also possible to use copper or copper alloys as the cathode. You want it have a high melting point.

Aluminium (http://www.energymanagertraining.com/aluminium/Aluminium.htm)

Sub-cathodic shield with deformable zones for Hall-Heroult electrolysis cells - US Patent 4488955 Claims (http://www.patentstorm.us/patents/4488955/claims.html)

http://www.springerlink.com/content/jj448352q1jgxg2k/

Usually the cathode would be made of the metal that's being deposited, Aluminum in this case. However, the process is hot enough to melt the aluminum. There are a number of patents so I think there are a number of different cathode materials. One is to use a carbon cathode as well as an anode. It's probably also possible to use copper or copper alloys as the cathode. You want it have a high melting point.

Aluminium (http://www.energymanagertraining.com/aluminium/Aluminium.htm)

Sub-cathodic shield with deformable zones for Hall-Heroult electrolysis cells - US Patent 4488955 Claims (http://www.patentstorm.us/patents/4488955/claims.html)

SpringerLink - Journal Article (http://www.springerlink.com/content/jj448352q1jgxg2k/)

Thanks