Electrolytic cell for the production of aluminum

摘要

A cell for the electrolytic deposition of aluminum at low temperatures and low electrical potential in which the anode is the sole source of aluminum and comprises a composite mixture of an aluminous material such as aluminum oxide and a reducing agent. Conductor means of higher electrical conductivity than the mixture are provided to conduct substantially the entire anodic current to the active anode surface thereby reducing the voltage drop through the highly resistive composite mixture. The mixture may be employed in a self-baking mode or be prebaked. Alternatively, the mixture may be in a particulate form and contained within a porous membrane which passes the electrolyte or other dissolved material while withholding undissolved impurities. The cell may have bipolar electrodes and may be used in combined winning and refining configurations.