Recent progress of inert anodes for carbon-free aluminium electrolysis: a review and outlook

He, Yong; Zhou, Kechao; Zhang, Yan; Xiong, Huiwen; Zhang, Lei

doi:10.1039/d1ta07198j

Cited by 48 publications

(13 citation statements)

References 49 publications

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“…For the first electrolysis experiments, we used graphite as the anode electrode. Consumable carbon is commonly used as an anode in analytical and industrial applications [24] . The electrolysis results, when using graphite as anode, show that the current started to flow through the cathode pellet in the initial phase of electrolysis (the blue line in Figure 5).…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Consumable carbon is commonly used as an anode in analytical and industrial applications. [24] The electrolysis results, when using graphite as anode, show that the current started to flow through the cathode pellet in the initial phase of electrolysis (the blue line in Figure 5). Over time, this cathodic current increased (more negative current) and almost reached a plateau.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Deoxidation Electrolysis of Hematite in Alkaline Solution: Impact of Cell Configuration and Process Parameters on Reduction Efficiency

Fayaz,

Bösing,

La Mantia

et al. 2023

ChemElectroChem

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Recent research is investigating deoxidation electrolysis for eco‐friendly iron extraction. However, many parameters are not fully understood and inconsistencies in reported Faradaic efficiencies pose challenges for finding the most suitable experimental conditions. Thus, we investigated the dependence of hematite reduction efficiency on process parameters and cell configurations. Firstly, we studied the influence of the anode material. The experiments included cyclic voltammetry to identify the redox potentials, electrolysis, and X‐ray diffraction followed by Rietveld refinement to analyze the pellets after electrolysis. In some cases, scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy was employed to track the elemental map of the cathode pellets. Nickel/iron alloy, a well‐known oxygen‐evolving electrocatalyst material, clearly outperformed other anode materials, namely graphite, titanium, nickel, and platinum. Subsequent investigations explored the impact of an inert atmosphere and anode‐cathode decoupling on Faradaic efficiency. The findings indicated that the decline in Faradaic efficiency cannot be solely attributed to the hydrogen evolution reaction, but also to other parasitic effects such as carbon cycles. Additionally, we employed energy consumption measurements as a mean of comparing the process against established extractive methodologies. The required energy consumption by electrolysis is up to 46 % lower than that of a blast furnace.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Deoxidation Electrolysis of Hematite in Alkaline Solution: Impact of Cell Configuration and Process Parameters on Reduction Efficiency

Fayaz,

Bösing,

La Mantia

et al. 2023

ChemElectroChem

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Nevertheless, it is remarked as, with implementation of the inert and dimensionally stable noncarbon anodes being currently tested in pilot plants, a significant improvement in the process is foreseeable in a short term. [56,57] Also a significant reduction in specific energy consumption up to 15-20% is anticipated in the foreseeable future thanks to the use of the wettable drained cathode technology. [58] Moreover, Al has also been utilized in the industrial sector for the production of energy-intensive ammonia and steel, as well as in the power generation and transport industries enabling intersectoral applications.…”

Section: Metal Energy Carriersmentioning

confidence: 99%

Hybrid Energy Storage and Hydrogen Supply Based on Aluminum—a Multiservice Case for Electric Mobility and Energy Storage Services

Ersoy

Baumann

Barelli

et al. 2022

Adv Materials Technologies

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The realization of a fully decarbonized mobility and energy system requires the availability of carbon‐free electricity and fuels which can be ensured only by cost‐efficient and sustainable energy storage technologies. In line with this demand, a techno‐economic evaluation of aluminum as a cross‐sectoral renewable energy carrier is conducted. The assessment, based on a newly developed process, involves the wet combustion of Aluminum at 700 °C resulting in heat and hydrogen (H2) generation. The designed conversion plant enables the contemporaneous generation of electricity and on demand H2 (up to 4 MW and 46.8 kg h–1) with round‐trip efficiencies as high as 40.7% and full recycling of the Al2O3 waste. This study, assuming the carbon‐free production of Al and three different energy cost scenarios, proves the feasibility of the e‐fueling station business case. The overall energy conversion including fuel production (power‐to‐Al), utilization (Al‐to‐power and Al‐to‐H2), and recycling requires a capital investment of 5200 € per kW installed power without additional primary material demand. Hence, the estimated power‐to‐X cost for the Al‐based H2 is estimated in the range of 4.2–9.6 € kg–1 H2, while wind and solar power based green H2 production cost varies from 6.5 to 12.1 € kg–1 H2.

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“…Some thorough reviews on the use of inert anodes for aluminum production have been performed by Deschênes-Allard, 270 Yasinskiy et al 271 and He. 272 Currently, the most widespread technology in the aluminum industry is that of prebaked carbon anodes. Thirty to forty percent of this industry's total CO 2 emissions are due to the primary production of aluminum by the Hall-Héroult process, 273 with the following overall cell reaction : CO, CF 4 , C 2 F 6 and PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon compounds) are also emitted.…”

Section: Inert Anodes For Al Productionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Greener reactants, renewable energies and environmental impact mitigation strategies in pyrometallurgical processes: A review

Harvey

Courchesne

et al. 2022

MRS Energy & Sustainability

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Metals and alloys are among the most technologically important materials for our industrialized societies. They are the most common structural materials used in cars, airplanes and buildings, and constitute the technological core of most electronic devices. They allow the transportation of energy over great distances and are exploited in critical parts of renewable energy technologies. Even though primary metal production industries are mature and operate optimized pyrometallurgical processes, they extensively rely on cheap and abundant carbonaceous reactants (fossil fuels, coke), require high power heating units (which are also typically powered by fossil fuels) to calcine, roast, smelt and refine, and they generate many output streams with high residual energy content. Many unit operations also generate hazardous gaseous species on top of large CO2 emissions which require gas-scrubbing and capture strategies for the future. Therefore, there are still many opportunities to lower the environmental footprint of key pyrometallurgical operations. This paper explores the possibility to use greener reactants such as bio-fuels, bio-char, hydrogen and ammonia in different pyrometallurgical units. It also identifies all recycled streams that are available (such as steel and aluminum scraps, electronic waste and Li-ion batteries) as well as the technological challenges associated with their integration in primary metal processes. A complete discussion about the alternatives to carbon-based reduction is constructed around the use of hydrogen, metallo-reduction as well as inert anode electrometallurgy. The review work is completed with an overview of the different approaches to use renewable energies and valorize residual heat in pyrometallurgical units. Finally, strategies to mitigate environmental impacts of pyrometallurgical operations such as CO2 capture utilization and storage as well as gas scrubbing technologies are detailed. This original review paper brings together for the first time all potential strategies and efforts that could be deployed in the future to decrease the environmental footprint of the pyrometallurgical industry. It is primarily intended to favour collaborative work and establish synergies between academia, the pyrometallurgical industry, decision-makers and equipment providers. Graphical abstract Highlights A more sustainable production of metals using greener reactants, green electricity or carbon capture is possible and sometimes already underway. More investments and pressure are required to hasten change. Discussion Is there enough pressure on the aluminum and steel industries to meet the set climate targets? The greenhouse gas emissions of existing facilities can often be partly mitigated by retrofitting them with green technologies, should we close plants prematurely to build new plants using greener technologies? Since green or renewable resources presently have limited availability, in which sector should we use them to maximize their benefits?

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Recent progress of inert anodes for carbon-free aluminium electrolysis: a review and outlook

Abstract: This review introduces the latest research progress of inert anodes for aluminium electrolysis and compares the comprehensive performances of different kinds of materials, including metals, ceramics and cermets.

Cited by 48 publications

References 49 publications

Deoxidation Electrolysis of Hematite in Alkaline Solution: Impact of Cell Configuration and Process Parameters on Reduction Efficiency

Deoxidation Electrolysis of Hematite in Alkaline Solution: Impact of Cell Configuration and Process Parameters on Reduction Efficiency

Hybrid Energy Storage and Hydrogen Supply Based on Aluminum—a Multiservice Case for Electric Mobility and Energy Storage Services

Greener reactants, renewable energies and environmental impact mitigation strategies in pyrometallurgical processes: A review

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