Scribd
Upload
78 views1 page

Aluminium Extraction

Aluminium is extracted from bauxite through a process that involves purification with sodium hydroxide, followed by electrolysis of alumina in an electrolytic cell. The extraction process requires the addition of cryolite to lower the melting point and enhance conductivity, with graphite electrodes used for the reaction. Aluminium's properties, such as lightness, corrosion resistance, and conductivity, make it suitable for various applications including kitchen foils, power cables, and aircraft construction.

Uploaded by

dR SHAMMIR AHMED
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
78 views1 page

Aluminium Extraction

Aluminium is extracted from bauxite through a process that involves purification with sodium hydroxide, followed by electrolysis of alumina in an electrolytic cell. The extraction process requires the addition of cryolite to lower the melting point and enhance conductivity, with graphite electrodes used for the reaction. Aluminium's properties, such as lightness, corrosion resistance, and conductivity, make it suitable for various applications including kitchen foils, power cables, and aircraft construction.

Uploaded by

dR SHAMMIR AHMED
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Aluminium Extraction

The main ore of aluminium is bauxite (impure aluminium oxide). After it is mined, it is first
purified by adding it in sodium hydroxide. The impurities do not dissolve and are filtered
off. The dissolved aluminium oxide is then precipitated out as aluminium hydroxide by
diluting with water. This is then heated to form pure white aluminium oxide, or alumina.
The aluminium is then extracted by electrolysis.

The alumina is added to and electrolytic cell and melted. A compound called cryolite
(another aluminium compound) is added to lower the melting point of the
electrolyte or operating temperature and increase conductivity. The electrodes are
made of graphite. Oxygen gas collects at the anode. Due to the high temperature, the
oxygen reacts with the carbon in the graphite anode to form CO 2/CO so the anode
must be periodically replaced.

The cathode is very interesting; it is the lining of the electrolytic cell that is made the
cathode. Molten aluminium collects here.

At cathode: Al3+ (l) + 3e- Al (l)


At anode: 2O2- (l) O2 (g) + 4e-

Properties and Uses:


Aluminium is a more reactive metal than its apparent lack of reactivity is explained by a
thin protective oxide coating. This coating (unlike iron oxide) does not flake off and
makes aluminium corrosion resistant.
Aluminium metal is relatively light, corrosion resistant, and a good conductor of heat and
electricity. When alloyed, it becomes quite resistant.
Aluminium can be used in making kitchen foils due to its malleability and heat
conducting ability, in overhead power cables due to its light weight and electrical
conducting abilities, and in aircraft construction due to its lightness and resistance to
corrosion.

You might also like