How is sodium metal produced from molten sodium chloride?

Most commercial production of sodium metal is achieved through the electrolysis of molten sodium chloride.12

In this process, an electric current is passed through the molten salt within an electrolytic cell. This apparatus utilizes two electrodes held apart:2

• Cathode (negative electrode): Positively charged sodium ions migrate to the cathode, where they gain electrons (reduction) to form metallic sodium.2
• Anode (positive electrode): Negatively charged chloride ions migrate to the anode, where they lose electrons (oxidation) to form chlorine gas.2

While Sir Humphry Davy first isolated sodium in 1807 by electrolyzing fused sodium hydroxide, modern industrial methods rely on the electrolysis of molten sodium chloride due to its availability and cost-effectiveness.1