Hall-Héroult Process (Aluminum Smelting)

2Al2O3 + 3C → 4Al + 3CO2

Обзор

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.

Участники

Роль Вещество Коэффициент Состояние
Реагент Aluminum Oxide Al₂O₃ 2 (l)
Реагент Carbon C 3 (s)
Продукт Carbon Dioxide CO₂ 3 (g)
Продукт Aluminum Al 4 (l)

Пример из жизни

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

Промышленное значение

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

Свойства

Тип
Electrochemical
Обратимая
Нет
Энергия
Эндотермическая
ΔH
2168,0 kJ/mol
Катализатор
Cryolite (Na₃AlF₆) solvent

Связанные реакции

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).