Research progress in the preparation of rare earth alloys by molten salt electrolysis method

Rare earth alloys can be prepared through the methods of melting, metallothermic reduction, and molten salt electrolysis. Compared to the former two methods, the molten salt electrolysis method has several advantages: the production cost is lower, the composition of the rare earth alloys is uniform and easy control, and the quality of the rare earth alloys is good. The rare earth alloys can be prepared easily and continuously on industrial scale. In this paper, the research progress in the molten salt electrolysis preparation of the rare earth alloys of magnesium, aluminum, iron, cobalt, nickel, and copper is reviewed by considering the rare earth alloy applications in structural, magnetic, and hydrogen storage materials. The prospects of the related research works are discussed.