A comprehensive review of aluminium electrolysis and the waste generated by it

Abstract

Aluminium is produced by electrolysis using alumina (Al2O3) as raw material and cryolite (Na3AlF6) as electrolyte. In this Hall–Héroult process, the energy consumption is relatively large, and solid wastes such as spent anodes and spent pot liner, flue gas and waste heat are generated. Therefore, this article discusses from the perspective of high energy consumption and high pollution and summarizes the methods to reduce energy consumption and solve pollution problems. The functions of carbon anode, carbon cathode, refractory material and sidewall in aluminium electrolysis cells are discussed in detail. The process of aluminium electrolysis and the ways to improve the current efficiency of aluminium electrolysis cells and reduce their energy consumption are outlined. The causes and treatment methods of spent anodes, spent cathodes, spent refractories and spent spot liner are reviewed. The research progress of waste heat recovery and aluminium electrolysis flue gas purification are analysed. And the future research directions of aluminium electrolysis flue gas are provided.