LAQ : Mention the composition of electrolyte and electrode reactions of extraction of aluminium

Question

Mention the composition of electrolyte and electrode reactions of extraction of aluminium.

Answer

Composition of electrolytes: Mixture of 60% cryolite (AIF₃, 3NaF), 20% alumina (Al₂O₃), and 20% fluorospar (CaF₂).

Cathode reaction:

2Al³⁺ + 6e → 2Al (Reduction)

Anode reaction:

30^2- – 6e → (3/2)O₂ (oxidation)