What is the role of graphite rod in the electrometallugy of aluminium?

Explanation

In the electrometallurgy of Al from .Al_2
O_3., purified and mixed .with
rod"is used as anode. The grapliite anođe is used to reduce .Al_2 O_3. to the métal: The overatl reaction is
.2 Al_2 O_3+3 C rarr 4 Al+3 CO_2 uparrow.
(Graphite ánơde) Cathode (steel) .: Al^3+(melt)+3 e^- rarr Al(l).
Anode (graphite) : .C(s)+O^2-(melt) rarr CO(g)+.
.2 e^-.
.C(s)+2 O^2-(melt) rarr CO_2(~g) div 4 e^-.
...