Electrochemical Synthesis of Magnetic Materials Based on Intermetallic and Refractory Compounds of Rare-Earth Metals in Ionic Melts: Current State of Research and Directions of Development

The electrochemical synthesis of intermetallic and refractory compounds based on rare-earth metals, iron triad, boron, and silicon in ionic melts is the subject of this review. The widespread use of magnets with record high magnetic characteristics based on rare earth metals is hampered by their high cost, complex production technology and the content of scarce metals. Data on the electrochemical behavior of lanthanides, iron, cobalt and nickel chloride complexes, as well as fluoroborate and fluorosilicate ions in chloride and chloride-fluoride melts are provided. Peculiarities of joint electroreduction processes between rare-earth metal ions and iron triad ions, fluoroborate and fluorosilicate ions are analyzed. The optimal parameters of the electrosynthesis of double and triple compounds based on rare-earth metals are discussed. Prospects for future development of high-temperature electrochemistry of rare-earth metals and technology solutions in the field of electrosynthesis of rare-earth metals compounds in molten salts are prosed.