Inert anode/cathode program: Electrochemical polarization studies on Cu and Cu-containing cermet anodes for the aluminum industry

Recent work by Alcoa Laboratories showed that a Cu-containing oxide cermet has promise as an inert anode material for the primary aluminum production industry. To understand the reactions occurring at the Cu/ceramic/melt interface during polarization in molten cryolite, electrochemical polarization techniques were applied to Cu metal and Cu-containing oxide cermets. Distinct oxidation and reduction waves were observed for the materials. These waves are correlated with electrochemical reactions involving copper in molten cryolite. Additional materials characterization was used to support the proposed reaction mechanisms.