Recycling Aluminum Can by Using Ionic Liquid

Recycling aluminum can by using ionic liquid will be investigated. The objectives of this
experimental works are to investigate electrodeposition of aluminum by using ionic
liquid, to optimize condition of electrolyte cell in ionic liquid and also to recycle
aluminum can with less pollution produced. For aluminum to be recycled, electrolysis
process at low temperature will be used.
Electrolysis is a process where elements that are bonded chemically will be separated by
passing an electric current through them. Ionic liquid will be used as one of the
component in the mixture of the electrolyte. Ionic liquid used is 1-Butyl-3-
Methylimidazolium Chloride (BMIM Chloride) .The electrolyte consist of a mixture of
Aluminum Chloride,A!Ch and 1-Butyl-3-Methylimidazolium Chloride, BMIM Chloride.
At the end of this experiment, aluminum is expected to be dissolved at anode electrode
which is aluminum can and deposited at the cathode electrode which is copper. For this
experimental work, parameter that will be studied is temperature. Two different voltages
which is at 1.0 V and 1.3 volt is applied at three different temperature which is at 25°C,
70° C and I 00° C. The presence of aluminum at cathode is determined by difference in
weight before and after electrolysis.
X-ray diffraction, XRF studies is done on the Aluminum Can to ensure the presence of
aluminum. XRD test also done for the copper to ensure the component presence in the
Copper. For the aluminum can, Energy Dispersive, EDX Test is done in order to identify
the composition of aluminum can. The EDX test also has been done at the copper
electrode after they undergo electrolysis to confirm the presence of aluminum at the
cathode electrode.
The energy use to recycle aluminum can by using ionic liquid is lower compared to the
current process. Besides that, the pollution produced also less compare to the current
process.
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