GRK 2802: Characterization of a recyclate-based MgO-steel as-sintered inert anode candidate after exposure to cryolite electrolysis
References to related material | https://doi.org/10.1002/adem.202502773 | |
Type of the data | Dataset | |
Total size of the dataset | 75733362 | |
Author | Yaroshevskyi, Serhii | |
Author | Adamczyk, Alexander | |
Author | Brachhold, Nora | |
Author | Schmidt, Gert | |
Author | Hubalkova, Jana | |
Author | Gumeniuk, Roman | |
Author | Charitos, Alexandros | |
Author | Aneziris, Christos | |
Upload date | 2026-02-12T15:45:55Z | |
Publication date | 2026-02-12T15:45:55Z | |
Publication date | 2026-02-12 | |
Abstract of the dataset | The replacement of consumable carbon anodes with oxygen-evolving inert, carbon free anodes is a key technological challenge for decarbonizing primary aluminum production. While metallic, ceramic, and cermet anodes have been extensively studied, the use of recycled raw materials remains largely unexplored. In this work, composite cermet anodes consisting of 60 vol% AISI 316L stainless steel and 40 vol% recycled MgO from spent refractories were developed and tested under galvanostatic Hall-Héroult electrolysis conditions in cryolite at 1000 °C. The as-sintered composites exhibited stable cell voltage (3.2-3.3 V) over 2 h of operation. Post-mortem SEM/EDS/EBSD analyses revealed a multilayered structure with protective Fe-oxide, Al/Cr spinel formation, corroded Mg-F-rich phases, and cryolite infiltration extending beyond 2 mm depth. While the 316L steel matrix showed relative stability, the recycled MgO fraction proved chemically reactive, generating porosity and acting as the primary pathway for melt intrusion and secondary Al2O3 precipitation. Complementary static contact corrosion tests confirmed rapid fluoridation of MgO, whereas steel grains remained intact. | |
Public reference to this page | https://opara.zih.tu-dresden.de/handle/123456789/2071 | |
Publisher | Technische Universität Bergakademie Freiberg | |
Specification of the discipline(s) | 4::43::405::405-05 | |
Specification of the discipline(s) | 4::43 | |
Title of the dataset | GRK 2802: Characterization of a recyclate-based MgO-steel as-sintered inert anode candidate after exposure to cryolite electrolysis | |
Project abstract | This research aims to investigate the potential of upcycling spent MgO-C refractories as a ceramic feedstock for steel-ceramic composite materials intended for application as carbonless anodes in aluminium electrolysis. The work focuses on developing a reproducible processing route for recyclate-based MgO-steel composites and on establishing structure-processing relationships relevant to electrochemical operation in cryolitic environments. Particular attention is given to the controlled pre-oxidation treatments, and phase evolution on electrical conductivity of the composite material and chemical interaction with the electrolyte. Through systematic materials characterization and electrochemical exposure under laboratory conditions, the project seeks to identify the key degradation mechanisms governing composite anode behaviour and to delineate the design constraints and opportunities for integrating refractory recycling strategies into inert-anode development. | |
Funding Acknowledgement | The dataset was generated within the framework of the Research Training Group GRK 2802 (project ID: 461482547) funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG). | |
Public project website(s) | https://tu-freiberg.de/en/research/grk2802 | |
Project title | GRK2802_P7_Metalloceramic composites made from MgO or MgO-C recyclates in combination with steel and other additives as inert or low-carbon anodes in aluminium fused-salt electrolysis |