Electrolytic Cell Used to Produce Aluminum99.5% to 99.9% pure aluminum (iron and silicon chief impurities)

William F. Smith. Structure and Properties of Engineering Alloys. McGraw-Hill Publishing Co. 1981.

(Courtesy of Aluminum Company of America).

(Oxygen released at anode attacking carbon)

(Dissoved Al2O3)

(Deposited in liquid state on lining; sinks to bottom)

Al is most abundant element in Earth’s core, but in combined form which must be processed to produce Al2O3 ($$)

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