Thermodynamic and phase equilibrium modeling for inert anode species dissolved in the electrolyte used for aluminum production

Currently, aluminum is produced with the Hall-Héroult process. Usually, consumable carbon anodes are used, thus leading to high rate of emissions of greenhouse gases in the environment. Anodes based on a new carbon-free material are being developed in Québec by Elysis, which originated from a partnership between Alcoa and Rio Tinto. This would be very beneficial to the environment since O2 would then be emitted instead of CO2. This change in anode material requires to understand the possible reactivity between it and the cryolite-rich fluorinated electrolyte. This project is intended to provide reliable experimental data that will permit the best calibration of a thermodynamic model, compatible with the FactSage thermochemical software package. The developed model will be used to assess the reactivity and solubility problems associated with constituents of the anode and their partial dissolution in the electrolyte.

Faculty Supervisor:

Patrice Chartrand;Christian Robelin

Student:

Partner:

CEMHTI-CNRS UPR3079

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Manufacturing and Construction; Green/Alternative Energy

University:

Polytechnique Montréal

Program: