Processing of metals and metal oxides using ionic liquids

Hydrometallurgy lies at the heart of many industrial processes and is the source of a large volume of aqueous waste. Treating dilute streams of acidic and basic by-products is both energy and chemical intensive, and is one of the largest sources of metal-based emissions into the environment. Over the past decade, numerous studies have been made into the use of ionic liquids for metal dissolution, extraction and recovery. This article critically reviews the potential efficacy of these methods and signposts the areas where further research is needed.