Solubility and Electrical Conductivity of Common Sodium Salts in Selected Ionic Liquids

Abstract

The solubility of different commercially available sodium salts was measured at 120°C for the potential use in the production of sodium metal by electrochemical processes in Ionic liquids (ILs) at relatively moderate temperatures. The results showed that the anion, cation, and substituents on the cation of the IL have a great effect on the solubility of the salts. It was found that the solubility of the salts in some ILs is higher than the value required in the production of sodium metal. An electrochemical method was used to measure the electrical conductivity of the selected ILs. Moreover, the effect of sodium salts on the conductivity of the ILs was studied. The conductivity of IL increased with the dissolution of sodium salts. In general, the conductivity of the studied ILs with/without sodium salts was suitable for the use in the production of metal sodium.