Hall-Héroult Process (Aluminum Smelting)

2Al2O3 + 3C → 4Al + 3CO2

نظرة عامة

Alumina (Al₂O₃) is dissolved in molten cryolite (Na₃AlF₆) at 960°C and electrolyzed using carbon anodes. Aluminum is deposited at the cathode and oxygen reacts with the carbon anode to form CO₂. Independently invented by Charles Hall and Paul Héroult in 1886, this process reduced aluminum from a precious metal to a commodity.

المشاركون

الدور المادة المعامل الحالة
متفاعل Aluminum Oxide Al₂O₃ 2 (l)
متفاعل Carbon C 3 (s)
منتج Carbon Dioxide CO₂ 3 (g)
منتج Aluminum Al 4 (l)

مثال من الحياة اليومية

Every piece of aluminum foil, beverage can, and airplane wing was produced by the Hall-Héroult process.

الأهمية الصناعية

Aluminum smelting produces 65 million tonnes annually and consumes about 3% of global electricity. Recycling uses only 5% of the energy.

الخصائص

النوع
Electrochemical
قابل للعكس
لا
الطاقة
ماص للحرارة
ΔH
2168,0 kJ/mol
محفز
Cryolite (Na₃AlF₆) solvent

التفاعلات ذات الصلة

Electrorefining of Copper Alkaline Battery Discharge Anodizing of Aluminum Chlor-Alkali Electrolysis Nickel-Metal Hydride Battery Daniell Cell (Zinc-Copper Galvanic Cell) Electrolysis of Molten NaCl (Downs Process) Lead-Acid Battery Discharge Electrowinning of Zinc Electrolysis of Water

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the equation for Hall-Héroult Process (Aluminum Smelting)?
The balanced equation is: 2Al₂O₃ + 3C → 4Al + 3CO₂.
What type of reaction is Hall-Héroult Process (Aluminum Smelting)?
Hall-Héroult Process (Aluminum Smelting) is a electrochemical reaction.
Is Hall-Héroult Process (Aluminum Smelting) exothermic or endothermic?
Hall-Héroult Process (Aluminum Smelting) is endothermic (absorbs energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is 2168.0 kJ/mol.
What conditions are needed for Hall-Héroult Process (Aluminum Smelting)?
This reaction requires a catalyst (Cryolite (Na₃AlF₆) solvent).