Novel Molten Salt Electrochemical Processes for Industrial Applications

Various novel technological seeds of molten salt electrochemical processes (MSEPs) were created by the authors and their collaborators, which are currently under development for industrial applications. Among these, we describe four key processes: (1) electrochemical formation of carbon film, (2) plasma-induced discharge electrolysis for producing nanoparticles, (3) recycling crucial metals using a "bifunctional electrode", and (4) electrolytic synthesis of ammonia from water and nitrogen under atmospheric pressure. Furthermore, we discuss their possible industrial applications in the fields of energy, the environment, resources, and materials with a view to the future low-carbon society. (c) The Electrochemical Society of Japan, All rights reserved.