Cathode for a fused salt electrolytic cell

The solid cathode comprises essentially a supporting element and, at least in the region of the cathode workface, an open-pore structure which is impregnated with or soaked in aluminum saturated with at least one of the transition metals from groups IV B, V B, and VI B of the periodic table of elements, This open-pore structure can be fed continuously from reserves of aluminide/aluminides. An open-pore structure which has shown itself to be particularly advantageous is one comprised of a carbon fiber felt pad a few millimeters thick. The solid cathodes are economical and can be made from material which is readily made into a variety of shapes.