Aluminum fluoride (AlF₃)  is a critical additive used in aluminum production, making the Hall-Héroult process physically and economically possible.The additive is added to the liquid bath of cryolite (Na₃AlF₆) and dissolved alumina. Adding aluminum fluoride lowers the melting temperature of the mix, which significantly reduces the energy required for electrolysis and protects the industrial equipment from extreme thermal stress. Global production of aluminium fluoride is estimated at 71.2 millions tons a year^a.

^a Future Market Insights. (n.d.). Aluminum fluoride market: Global industry analysis 2014–2021 and opportunity assessment 2022–2032. https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/aluminum-fluoride-market