Electrodeposition of Metallic Magnesium in Ionic Liquids: A Systematic Review

Metallic magnesium is a strategic material with applications in mobility, energy and medicine, due to its low density, biocompatibility and use as an anode in rechargeable batteries. However, industrial production methods—such as the thermal reduction of dolomite or the electrolysis of anhydrous MgCl2—face environmental and operational challenges, including high temperatures, emissions, and dehydration of precursors like bischofite. In response, ionic liquids (ILs) have emerged as alternative electrolytes, offering low volatility, thermal stability and wide electrochemical windows that enable electrodeposition in water-free media. This study presents a systematic review of 32 peer-reviewed articles, applying the PRISMA 2020 methodology. The analysis is structured across three dimensions: (1) types of ILs employed, (2) operational parameters and (3) magnesium source materials. In addition to electrolyte composition, key factors such as temperature, viscosity control, precursor purity and cell architecture were identified as critical for achieving efficient and reproducible magnesium deposition. Furthermore, the use of elevated temperatures and co-solvent strategies has been shown to effectively mitigate viscosity-related transport limitations, enabling more uniform ion mobility and enhancing interfacial behavior. The use of alloy co-deposition strategies and multicomponent electrolyte systems also expands the technological potential of IL-based processes, especially for corrosion-resistant coatings or composite electrode materials. This review contributes by critically synthesizing current techniques, identifying knowledge gaps and proposing strategies for scalable, sustainable magnesium production. The findings position IL-based electrodeposition as a potential alternative for environmentally responsible metal recovery.