What is the process of electrolysis for aluminum production?

The process of electrolysis for aluminum production involves the Hall-H茅roult process, which is the primary method for extracting aluminum from its ore, bauxite. First, bauxite is refined to produce aluminum oxide (alumina). This alumina is then dissolved in a molten cryolite bath, which lowers the melting point and increases the electrical conductivity. Large amounts of electricity are passed through the bath, causing the alumina to decompose into aluminum metal and oxygen gas. The aluminum collects at the bottom of the cell and is periodically tapped off, while the oxygen is released into the atmosphere. This energy-intensive process is crucial for the aluminum industry, as it allows for the production of large quantities of aluminum, a key material in various industries.