Electrochemical processes research challenges

Although the study of different electrochemical processes in ILs or at the metal/ionic liquid interface is currently one of the most active areas of research, the industrial application of ILs or processes involving ILs is still limited. Chapter 20 provides the first comprehensive survey on the pilot plants and industrial processes of ionic liquids. Moreover, challenges, issues, and recycling methods of ILs in industrial developments are also discussed. 

Fortunately, the rewards of research are complementary, and whatever direction or thrust a particular spectroelectrochemical project may take, several fields of science ultimately may benefit. The interchange of knowledge and ideas in electrochemistry and surface science at the analytical-physical interface, for example, is notable. Such progress offers a better understanding of electrochemical processes through theoretical advances and experimental discovery or validation, by both pure and applied motivation. These new electroanalytical techniques permit reevaluation of important practical electrochemical systems such as corrosion mechanisms, biochemical redox intermediates, kinetic and catalytic processes of analytical and chemicals production importance, and optical devices. Spectroelectrochemistry continues to be an exciting and challenging field in which to work. 

In general, the electrodeposition of metals is a process which consists of the formation of solid metal material by electrochemical reaction in a liquid phase. The electrodeposition is usually performed in a three-electrode cell (composed of a reference electrode, a cathode and an anode). The cationic metal (M" ), dissolved in the liquid electrolyte (DESs), is reduced and deposited as metal (M ) in the cathode. Traditionally, ILs have been the solvent of choice for the electrodeposition of metals which exhibit a redox potential higher than that of water. Due to the aforementioned advantages of DESs as compared with traditional ILs, this field of research has been extensively investigated. However, die observed instability of the DESs during the electrodeposition process is a lasting challenge that needs to be solved. 

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