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:
302- – 6e → (3/2)O2 (oxidation)