The aluminum electroreduction process is still faced with several problems such as high energy consumption, stability of cathode lining, development of nonconsumable anodes, current efficiency, alumina feeding and environmental problems with hazardous spent potliners and fluoride emissions. A short review of recent literature related to these problems has been provided. A critical analysis of these problems, based on practical experience with a modern plant, is also given.
Aluminum electrowinning; Hall-Heroult process; electroreduction
