Electrochemical analyses of diffusion behaviors and nucleation mechanisms for neodymium complexes in [DEME][TFSA] ionic liquid

The electrochemical and nucleation behavior of Nd(III) in the ammonium-based ionic liquid (IL), N,N-diethyl-N-methyl-N-(2-methoxyethyl) ammonium bis(trifluoromethyl-sulfonyl) amide, [DEME] [TFSA], were investigated in this study. The cathodic reaction of Nd(III) [Nd(III) + 3e− → Nd(0)] was observed at −3.30 V vs. Ag/Ag(I) using cyclic voltammetry at 353 K. The diffusion coefficient of Nd(III) was estimated to be 1.35 ± 0.10 × 10−13 m2 s−1 at 353 K using semi-integral and semi-differential analyses. The initial process of Nd electrodeposition was also evaluated by chronoamperometry, indicating that the initial nucleation and growth of Nd on the Pt electrode occurred via instantaneous nucleation at −3.40 V. As the applied potential became more negative, the mechanism changed from instantaneous to progressive nucleation. The number density of Nd nuclei in the initial stage of nucleation decreased as the overpotential increased. Furthermore, the electrodeposition of Nd was carried out under the conditions of −3.40 V and −3.60 V at 353 K. SEM observations of the electrodeposits were consistent with the series of results obtained by chronoamperometry. The electrodeposits consisted mainly of Nd metal and oxide mixtures, whereas bonding with the light elements (C, F, and S) of the IL was suppressed, as demonstrated by EDX and XPS. The results suggested that sufficient dehydration and control of the water content of the electrolyte are important factors for obtaining metallic Nd with high purity.