Abstract：A cermet inert anode of 10%Ag-NiFe2O4/NiO was prepared by powder metallurgical method. The inert anode is a cylinder with 50 mm height and 50 mm diameter. It was applied to aluminium electrolysis testing for 10 h at 960℃ and the current density of 0.8 A/cm2. The behavior of inert anode for aluminium electrolysis in Na3AlF6-5%CaF2-5%Al2O3 was studied. After 10 h electrolysis, the anode was slightly corroded. It was in good condition without tumescence and scaling, which shows that the anode has good corrosion resistance to molten cryolite-based melt. The corrosion rate of the anode was estimated as about 13 mm/a and the purity of the deposited aluminium was 92%~93%. The surface of the inert anode was analyzed using energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis. The results indicate that non-stoichiometric dissolution of the oxide phase occurred, and Fe2O3 dissolved prior to NiO and entered the electrolyte. The content of oxygen on the surface of the inert anode facing to cathode was more than that of the other side, which indicates that the reaction of O2 releasing is more acute between the two electrodes. A part of released O2 reacted with Ag on the surface of inert anode to produce Ag3O4. The section of the inert anode was also analyzed. It was found that the electrolyte penetrated into the inert anode and reacted with Fe2O3, then the product FeF3 deposited in the interspaces in the anode.
2006, Vol. 6 
