Ionic Liquid Extraction Methods for Alkali and Alkaline Earth Metal Ions

Ionic liquids (ILs) have been considered as successful alternative extraction solvents, especially, they have become potential replacements of volatile organic compound in the extraction of metal ions for the properties of negligible vapor pressure, nonflammability, high thermostability, etc. In this paper, ILs as environmental friendly solvents in liquid-liquid extractions of alkali and alkaline earth metal ions were summarized, the part of extraction phase compositions, extraction conditions and back extraction method were discussed, and the potency of applications of ILs in extraction and separation of metal ions were also commented.