Development of Inert Anodes for Primary Aluminum Production
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Primary aluminum production is currently the leading industrial source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Quebec. A significant reduction in GHG emissions from Quebec’s aluminum smelters can only be achieved through the development of new technologies. In this regard, the most effective solution would be to replace consumable carbon anodes with so-called inert anodes, which emit O₂ rather than CO₂ during aluminum electrolysis. However, designing inert anodes poses a major challenge due to the severe conditions during aluminum electrolysis (a cryolite NaF-AIF₃ electrolyte at 960°C), which require materials with excellent resistance to corrosion and thermal shock, as well as suitable electrochemical properties. This project aims to address this issue, which is highly relevant to the aluminum industry, through the development of new materials and processes for manufacturing inert anodes.
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