Progress on Electrodeposition of Metals and Alloys Using Ionic Liquids as Electrolytes

Abstract

The electrodeposition process of metals and their alloys is widely used in the automotive, space, electronics, computing, jewelry, and other consumer items industries. Over the years, the search for new coatings with more suitable characteristics for their application led to the use of ionic liquids (ILs) as electrolytic solutions. In addition to having good conductive properties, the growing interest in these solvents has environmental appeal due to their low toxicity. Furthermore, the ability of these electrolytes to dissolve compounds containing less soluble metals makes them potential substitutes for environmentally harmful solvents. In this sense, this review describes the current state and the innovations concerning the electrodeposition of metals and alloys using ILs as electrolytes in the last five years. Metals were classified into five groups (common, light, noble, rare earth, and others), highlighting not only the ability to form a smooth, homogeneous, and anti-corrosive deposit, but also the reactive capacity of metals in hydrogen evolution and catalytic processes.