Extraction of Aluminum
Extraction of Aluminum: Aluminum is highly reactive metal and it will be electrolyzed. Aluminum has many useful properties like: Low density Conduct heat & electricity Resistance to corrosion (as forms Aluminum oxide layer on extraction that protects it from corrosion) Getting the Ore: Aluminum is extracted mainly from its ore called Bauxite (Al 2 O 3 ) Electrolysis of Aluminum oxide Aluminum is melted & then electrolyzed. To save energy, Aluminum oxide is dissolved in a chemical Cryolite (Na 3 AlF 4 ) At the cathode: Al 3+ + 3e - à Al At the anode: 2O 2- - 4e - à O 2 This oxygen reacts with hot carbon anodes making carbon dioxide gas & burns away. This needs to be replaced. ...