Novel room temperature molten salts for aluminium electrodeposition

This work describes novel room temperature molten salts which van be used f or aluminium electrodeposition. We have characterised the conductivity as a function of the bath composition and shown that the changes in conductivit y occur because of an equilibrium between [Al2Cl7](-) and [AlCl4]. The volt ammetry of the optimum melt is analyzed together with the mechanism of nucl eation. Hull cell tests were performed and the morphology of the deposits w as analyzed using scanning electron microscopy. These room temperature molt en salts have a number of advantages over those described in the literature including lower water sensitivity, greater ease of purification and greatl y reduced cost. The electrodeposition of adherent, dull aluminium is demons trated. It is also shown that soluble aluminium anodes can be used. These n ovel baths form a viable alternative to conventional methods of depositing aluminium.