The project ran between August 2023 and August 2026.
Carbon anode consumption is a major source of CO₂ emissions in aluminium production. Therefore, KTH, Norsk Hydro and Envigas investigated bio-oil and biochar as replacements for fossil-based coal tar pitch (CTP) and calcined petroleum coke (CPC).
The project first reviewed relevant research. It then analysed the toxicity and chemical composition of the bio-oil and its fractions and produced a bio-binder through multi-stage heat treatment. In parallel, biochar was upgraded by acid washing and high-temperature treatment to reduce ash and metal content and improve its carbon structure.
Finally, laboratory-scale bio-based carbon anodes were successfully produced using the prepared bio-binder and biochar, demonstrating their replacement potential. Life-cycle and techno-economic assessments were also conducted.
Participants
KTH (The Royal Institute of Technology), Envigas AB and Norsk Hydro ASA.
Budget
The project’s total budget was 8,2 MSEK.