Research and Development of Carbon-Free Electrolytic Aluminum Technology by Ceramic Substitution for

              A new process to replace carbon anodes in aluminium smelting is being pilot-tested by Rio Tinto Group, a world-renowned mining company, without frequent anode replacement and cost savings in reducing carbon dioxide emissions.

Rio Tinto Chief Executive Chargers recently said in Beijing that starting in 2018, the company has joined Apple Inc. and Alcoa Inc. to tackle key technical issues related to anodes used in aluminium smelting, using ceramics instead of carbon, in order to reduce the frequency of anode replacement and carbon dioxide emissions.

  According to him, the research and development project, known as "carbon-free electrolytic aluminium technology", is one of Rio Tinto's measures to deal with climate change and reduce carbon emissions. "Now widely used anodes emit carbon dioxide in the process of electrolysis. We are working together to develop this technology to further develop the technology of electrolytic aluminium with zero direct greenhouse gas emissions. It is hoped that the carbon anode will be changed into a ceramic anode, so that it will not release carbon dioxide in the process of electrolysis. If this technology can be commercially available, it will be a major breakthrough in this business, "said Chargers." At present, this technology is feasible in the laboratory, and we are also starting to build a pilot workshop in Quebec, Canada, to test whether it is commercially viable.

  According to reports, this technology can not only reduce carbon dioxide emissions, but also save costs. Compared with the carbon anode which is replaced frequently, the ceramic anode can be used for a longer time, which can reduce waste and save cost. In fact, the technology was successful in the laboratory several years ago. "We are testing the stability of this technology in a pilot plant, and it will take three to five years before the technology is finally mature." Chargers told reporters.