Electrowinning Al from Al2S3 in Molten Salt

In order to investigate an alternative process for the production of primary aluminum via a sulfide intermediate, the electrochemical behavior of Al2S3 in molten salt has been studied on a laboratory scale. The effects of electrolyte composition, temperature, and cell design on the cell performance have been investigated. Temperature and cryolite addition have positive effects on the current density. Increasing the anode-to-cathode surface area (closer to unity) and shortening the interelectrode distance lead to higher current density. It is concluded that the electrolytic process is governed by the ohmic drop, caused mainly by the sulfur bubbles at the anode.