Research status and development prospect of preparation for heavy rare earth metals and alloys by electroreduction in nonaqueous solvent

With the extensive functionalization of heavy rare earth elements on metal materials such as aluminum, magnesium, copper, nickel and steel, the heavy rare earth elements as strategic resources have expanded in the application field of metal alloy materials. In this context, the market demand for heavy rare earth metals and alloys as modifying elements is bound to increase dramatically. Due to the high melting point of the heavy rare earth element itself, the co-melting method and the vacuum heat reduction method have been the main methods for producing heavy rare earth metals and alloys. It is essential to find a low-cost, high-efficiency, green preparation method. Due to the economical and high-efficiency of the molten salt electrochemical reduction process in the production of low melting point light rare earth and alloy processes, in recent years, the direct preparation of low melting point heavy rare earth alloy by molten salt electrolysis has become a hot research topic at home and abroad. Looking at the progress, it has broad prospects for development. The research status of the preparation of molten rare earth metals and alloys by molten salt electrolysis was reviewed. The physical and chemical properties, electrode process mechanism and simulation calculations were summarized and analyzed in order to compare the heavy rare earth alloys. The preparation of materials provides useful help.