Problems of low temperature electrolyte of potassium cryolite

Problems of low temperature electrolyte of potassium cryolite

One of the problems with potassium cryolite electrolytes is low conductivity, resulting in a large ohmic drop. Although it can be made up by adding additives such as LiF and reducing the electrode distance, the additive can also reduce the solubility of alumina and increase the initial crystal temperature while improving the conductivity. Meanwhile, the reduction of the electrode distance also depends on the industrial application of the wettable cathode.

In addition, K+ is enriched at the cathode in the process of low temperature electrolysis, and the ratio of electrolyte molecules near the cathode increases, resulting in cathode crusting. In the electrolytic process with potassium cryolite as electrolyte, the common phenomenon is that the cell voltage is high and fluctuates greatly, and the current efficiency is low. The corrosion of potassium cryolite molten salt on inert anode and side lining material is also serious, so it is necessary to find a suitable inert anode and side lining material.

Although the research on potassium cryolite electrolyte has received some attention, it is far from enough compared with the research on sodium cryolite.