Anodic dissolution behavior of aluminum in AlCl3/urea ionic liquid analogs

Among post ionic liquid electrodeposition aluminum technology, AlCl3/urea ionic liquid analogs (ILAs) are gaining popularity because of their unique physicochemical properties as well as the simplicity of synthesis and low cost. One topic that has not been explored in depth in this regard is anodic reaction. Herein, the behavior of aluminum during anodic dissolution in AlCl3/urea (1.3:1) ILA was studied. The results revealed that during the anodic oxidation process, AlCl4- ions decreased, Al2Cl7- and Al3Cl10- ions increased, and an AlCl3 passivation film was generated at electrode surface. Corrosion current density (icorr) increased and polarization resistance (RP) decreased as temperature rose. The three primary processes of aluminum corrosion in AlCl3/urea electrolyte were the movement of charge, the generation of passivation film, and the formation of soluble aluminum complex ion layer.