This paper analyses the time trend, national (regional) distribution, distribution of major applicants, technology composition and regional distribution of patent applications related to the preparation of magnesium, lithium and its intermediate alloys by molten salt electrolysis, and then provides guidance for China’s technological research and patent application layout in this field. The study found that China’s patent quantity increase year by year, especially between 2011-2022, The number of China’s patent applications reached 2,042, accounting for 80. 8%. At this stage, China has an absolute advantage in the number of patent applications, but the core patents are missing and there are no high-value patents; China’s top 20 applicants are mainly universities and scientific research institutes, and there are few applications for cooperation between these universities or scientific research institutes and enterprises, and the conversion rate of technological achievements is relatively low. On the other hand, the United States, Japan, Canada and other countries have the strongest scientific research capability and technological strength, and their main advantages are reflected in the core technology of electrolytic equipment (electrobath). At the end of this paper, specific suggestions are also put forward to strive for China’s breakthroughs in the development of high-value patents in this field, and promote the high-quality development of the industry.

Molten Salt Electrolysis, Magnesium and Magnesium Intermediate Alloys, Lithium and Lithium Intermediate Alloys, Patent Analysis