Application of ionic liquids for metal dissolution and extraction

Abstract

This review summarizes the results of studies on the selective dissolution and extraction of Fe, Cr, Cu, and Zn by ionic liquids, as an alternative to the use of conventional molten salts or pickling agents, for various types of steel. Ionic liquids are classified according to the metals, metal ions, and metal oxides by which they can be extracted or dissolved. The results of the metal extraction efficiency per unit time presented in the literature are summarized in a simple unified graphic format. This provides a comparative understanding of the most efficient ionic liquid for the extraction of specific metals. (C) 2017 The Korean Society of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.