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

Sub-cathodic shield with deformable zones for Hall-Heroult electrolysis cells - US Patent 4488955 Claims

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

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Originally Posted by rwinterton

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

Sub-cathodic shield with deformable zones for Hall-Heroult electrolysis cells - US Patent 4488955 Claims

SpringerLink - Journal Article

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Thanks