Abstract:Laboratory studies showed that addition of about 0.5%(in mass) Li₂CO₃,to the anode used in an aluminium electrolysis cell gave increased wetting of the anode by the cryolite-alumina melt，increased critical current density and reduced anodic overvoltage. The lithium carbonate then acted as acatalyst far the oxidation reactioa between the anode carbon and the oxide-containing ions in the melt. Anade paste containing lithium carbonate has been employed in Chinese aluminium smelters with 62Ka HSS cells.  This lead to improved eurrerit efficiency, reduced cell voltage and energy Consumption, as well as fewer anode effects per day.

Key words: lithium carbonate  anode paste  Soderberg cell