During the electrolysis of aluminium oxide, what is produced at the anode?

During the electrolysis of aluminium oxide, what is produced at the anode?

• A. Hydrogen gas
• B. Aluminium metal
• C. Carbon dioxide
• D. Sodium hydroxide

Answer: (C)

During the electrolysis of aluminium oxide, the anode reaction involves the oxidation of oxide ions, which results in the release of oxygen gas. However, it’s important to understand that if carbon electrodes are used, the carbon will react with the produced oxygen to form carbon dioxide. This reaction is critical in the context of aluminium production because the process also involves depletion of the carbon anode and contributes to the overall chemical environment within the electrolysis cell. The production of carbon dioxide at the anode illustrates that not only the dissociation of aluminium oxide occurs, but also that the conditions and materials used for the electrodes can influence the products formed at the anode during the electrolysis process.

During the electrolysis of aluminium oxide, the anode reaction involves the oxidation of oxide ions, which results in the release of oxygen gas. However, it’s important to understand that if carbon electrodes are used, the carbon will react with the produced oxygen to form carbon dioxide. This reaction is critical in the context of aluminium production because the process also involves depletion of the carbon anode and contributes to the overall chemical environment within the electrolysis cell.

The production of carbon dioxide at the anode illustrates that not only the dissociation of aluminium oxide occurs, but also that the conditions and materials used for the electrodes can influence the products formed at the anode during the electrolysis process.