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Description
Ionic liquids represent a class of compounds with unique physicochemical properties, such as negligible vapour pressure, high thermal and radiation stability, and wide electrochemical window. In combination with suitable extractants, they may serve as potential alternatives to commonly used volatile organic solvents in liquid-liquid extraction processes. Two-stage process consisting of the separation of selected metal contaminants from aqueous phase into the ionic liquids via liquid-liquid extraction, followed by the recycling of the used ionic liquids by electrodeposition was developed at the Department of Nuclear Chemistry, Faculty of Nuclear Sciences and Physical Engineering, CTU in Prague in cooperation with UJV Rez. This work focuses on the electrochemical behaviour of metal species in ionic liquid-based systems and explores the potential of electrochemical techniques for their removal and recovery. Particular attention is given to electrodeposition processes as a possible approach for the separation of metal contaminants and the regeneration of ionic liquids following their use in extraction systems. Cyclic voltammetry and related electrochemical methods are considered as tools for investigating processes occurring at the electrode-electrolyte interface. Electrochemical experiments are performed under various electrochemical conditions in order to examine factors that may influence electrodeposition processes. The study aims to contribute to a better understanding of electrochemical phenomena in ionic liquid media and to assess their potential application in metal recovery and the regeneration of ionic liquid systems.