Ionic liquid versus molten salt process TEA

This CMI-funded research was conducted at Idaho National Laboratory.

Achievement:
Produced a techno-economical analysis (TEA) comparing the electrochemical reduction of rare earth oxides to form metals via room temperature ionic liquid and molten salt processes.

Significance and Impact:
The ionic liquid process is economically favorable and profitable for converting rare earth oxides (Mo) to metal (M) using current benchmarks (deposition rate, etc.) established in CMI Year 6

Next Steps:
Develop an environmental life cycle analysis comparing the ionic liquid process to the molten salt process.