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Electrolyte

A solution capable of conducting electricity, usually a solution of a salt in water.

Alternately, a substance capable of conducting an electric current, such as a molten salt.

Source & ©: Physchem Glossary of scientific terms 

In the production of aluminium, aluminium is obtained from alumina by electrolytic reduction - a chemical term meaning the removal of oxygen atoms from aluminium oxide - in a molten electrolyte, called "bath" in which alumina is dissolved.

The electrolyte is a mixture of cryolite (Na₃AlF₆), a molten salt, and certain additives to give it appropriate density, conductivity and viscosity. The principal additive is aluminium fluoride (AlF₃). The emitted fluorides are collected and treated.

Source & ©: GreenFacts, based on Aluminium : Production and Transformation 

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