Al Electrodeposition in Molten CaCl2 with Various Calcium Aluminates

In this study, direct production of liquid Al metal was attempted in molten CaCl2 with various calcium aluminates, based on our previous studies on Ti and Si electrolysis. Al and Al-Mo alloys were detected on the electrode surface after electrolysis at -1.8V (Mo vs. dissolution) at 1573K, and the molar ratio of CaO to Al2O3 did not affect Al deposited strongly. By using the electrode with a BN receiver, the electrodeposited Al was kept around the cathode and Al was obtained from the cathode surface. It was shown that calcium aluminate was dissolved in molten CaCl2 above 1573 K and liquid Al metal could be obtained electrochemically with little dependence on the molar ratio of CaO to Al2O3.