AUTHOR=Wu Junshi , Xie Peng , Hao Wenbin , Lu Dong , Qi Ye , Mi Yongli 

TITLE=Ionic liquids as electrolytes in aluminum electrolysis

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Chemistry

VOLUME=10

YEAR=2022

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/chemistry/articles/10.3389/fchem.2022.1014893

DOI=10.3389/fchem.2022.1014893

ISSN=2296-2646

ABSTRACT=<p>Herein, the characteristics, research progress, and application prospects of ionic liquid-based electrolytic aluminum deposition are reviewed and analyzed in comparison with the Hall–Héroult method. The reaction conditions and production procedures of this material are discussed alongside the problems ionic liquids face in the electrolytic aluminum industry. Ionic liquid-based electrolytic aluminum deposition realizes the electrolytic aluminum reaction at low temperatures, achieving a reaction energy consumption close to the theoretical minimum value. The reaction also avoids harmful CO<sub>2</sub> or HF emissions, demonstrating a green and environmental-friendly approach to the production of electrolytic aluminum. In the future, in-depth work on the implementation of ionic liquid electrolytes should be carried out, establishing the necessary technical criteria and laying the foundation for the integration of this approach.</p>