Mechanism of Aluminum Carbide Formation in Aluminum Electrolysis Cells

  • Yaowu Wang Northeastern University of China
  • Yuezhong Di Northeastern University of China
  • Jianping Peng Northeastern University of China
  • Pengcheng Hao Northeastern University of China

Abstract


The formation and dissolution of aluminum carbide is considered the primary factor affecting the life of aluminum electrolysis cells. Herein, the characteristics of sodium-graphite intercalation compounds (Na-GICs) were measured and the formation mechanism of Al4C3 during the aluminum electrolysis process was experimentally studied. The Na-GIC characteristics and the products of aluminum and Na-GIC reactions were investigated by Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that graphite can react with the sodium metal to form Na-GICs, which were detectable by Raman spectroscopy. Sodium inserted into the graphite layered structure acted as an intercalation agent to change the original graphite layer structure, increasing its volume and specific surface area. Further, Al4C3 was produced using sodium-graphite intercalation compounds and aluminum as materials. Thus, the presence of sodium plays an important role in the formation process of Al4C3 in aluminum electrolysis cells.

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Published
2020/12/30
How to Cite
Wang, Y., Di, Y., Peng, J., & Hao, P. (2020). Mechanism of Aluminum Carbide Formation in Aluminum Electrolysis Cells. Journal of Mining and Metallurgy, Section B: Metallurgy, 56(3), 321-326. Retrieved from https://aseestant.ceon.rs/index.php/jmm/article/view/21698
Issue
Vol. 56 No. 3 (2020)
Section
Original Scientific Paper

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