Electrochemical etching of metals and minerals using ultrasound in deep eutectic solvents

This study compares the anodic dissolution of two iron-based alloys, mild steel and an FeNdB super magnet, with that of a mineral, chalcopyrite (CuFeS2), in a deep eutectic solvent formed from choline chloride and ethylene glycol under silent and ultrasonic conditions. These three materials have different granular morphologies and heterogeneities. The aim was to show how a combination of ultrasound and electrochemistry can lead to different etching mechanisms through increased mass transport by the mechanical action of bubbles at the electrode surface.