Preparation of metal substrate surfaces for electroplating in ionic liquids

A metal article, comprising:

• an aluminum substrate comprised of a first aluminum alloy;
• and
• an aluminum layer deposited directly on a surface of the aluminum substrate such that a metallic bond is formed between the aluminum layer and the aluminum substrate, the aluminum layer comprised of a second aluminum alloy.

A method of providing a coating on a surface of an aluminum substrate, the method comprising:

• exposing the aluminum substrate to an ionic liquid configured to remove at least a portion of an aluminum oxide layer formed on the aluminum substrate activating the surface of the aluminum substrate;
• and
• depositing an aluminum layer on the activated surface such that a metallic bond is formed between the aluminum layer and the aluminum substrate.

A method of depositing metal layer on a surface of a metal substrate, the method comprising:

• activating the surface of the metal substrate by immersing the metal substrate within an ionic liquid configured to remove at least a portion of a metal oxide layer formed on the metal substrate;
• and
• depositing a metal layer on the activated surface using an electrodeposition process while the metal substrate is immersed within the ionic liquid, wherein depositing the metal layer causes a metallic bond to form between the metal layer and the metal substrate.

A method of depositing metal layer on a surface of a metal substrate, the method comprising:

• activating the surface of the metal substrate by exposing the metal substrate to a first ionic liquid configured to remove at least a portion of a metal oxide layer formed on the metal substrate;
• and
• depositing a metal layer on the activated surface by exposing the metal substrate to an electrodeposition process using a second ionic liquid different than the first ionic liquid, wherein depositing the metal layer causes a metallic bond to form between the metal layer and the metal substrate.