Communication-Direct Room-Temperature Electrodeposition of La from LaCl3 in an Organic Solvent Supported by LiNO3

The design of electrolyte systems suitable for room-temperature electrochemical extraction of Li, Mg, Al, Ti, rare earth elements, and other active metals from their salts or oxides has long been a scientific challenge. Herein, we report an exceptional organic solvent (1,3-dimethyl-2-imidazolidinone) supported by LiNO3 with properties superior to those of conventional ionic liquids and show that it is well suited for room-temperature potentiostatic deposition of La coatings from LaCl3 on high-purity Al substrates. Thus, this work paves the way to cost-effective La extraction and presents an innovative approach to the selection of electrolyte systems used for electrodeposition of active metals.