Abstract: Described is a cell for the electrowinning of metals from fused salt baths, especially aluminum from cryolite-alumina, featuring a packed cathode bed of loose refractory materials resistant to the molten metal and disposed at the base of the cell.

Abstract: In the electrolytic production of aluminum by electrowinning or electrorefining processes, cell components such as cathode current feeders which in use are normally covered with molten aluminum are made of a composite material of aluminum or an aluminum alloy or intermetallic compound with an aluminum oxycompound, usually alumina, and possibly containing minor amounts of additives such as borides carbides, nitrides or oxides. The composite material, which remains mechanically stable and electrically conductive at 1000.degree. C., may be prepared by hot pressing powders at 1000.degree.-1700.degree. C. possibly after surface treating the alumina to improve wettability by molten Al. The components are optionally coated, e.g. with TiB.sub.2. The composite materials are also useful as non-current carrying components, including separator walls, weirs, packing elements and baffles.

Abstract: A substantially non-consumable anode used in the production of aluminium from a cryolite-based fused bath containing alumina consists of a sintered self-sustaining ceramic oxide body of spinel structure which is made conductive by selective partial substitution, the introduction of non-stoichiometry or by doping so as to maintain the impurities in the produced aluminium at low levels. Preferred materials are partially-substituted nickel ferrite spinels.

Abstract: An anode for use in electrowinning molten metal from a fused salt bath, e.g., aluminium from cryolite-alumina, consists of a cermet material formed from a ceramic oxide of, e.g., a ferrite or chromite, and a metal, e.g.