Enhanced ion transport in polymer–ionic liquid electrolytes containing ionic liquid-functionalized nanostructured carbon materials

An effective chemical strategy for the synthesis of polymer–ionic liquid (IL) electrolytes with ion-conducting channels, physically modulated by variously dimensioned IL-functionalized carbon materials (IL-FCMs) including carbon black (CB), multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) and reduced graphene oxide sheets (RGO) is reported, enabling a fundamental understanding of the relationship between carbon structures and ion transport behavior. The risk of electrical shorts is eliminated by the presence of IL groups on the surfaces of CMs and only minimal amounts of the IL-FCMs (⩽1.0 wt.%) in the polymer/IL composite electrolytes (e.g., polymer matrix filled with 1.0 wt.% IL-FCMs has a conductivity of ∼10⁻⁷ S cm⁻¹ at 100 °C). Increase in ion transport within the reorganized ion channels of the composite polymer electrolytes (CPEs) is confirmed by the enhanced ionic conductivity and low activation energy for through-plane and in-plane ionic conduction at different temperature (40–160 °C). Maximum improvement in the ionic conductivity (150–300% at 100 °C) can be achieved by optimizing the carbon structure and the loading ratio, which leads to highly ionic conductive polymer/IL composite electrolytes for practical applications.     

Extraction of anionic dyes with ionic liquid–nonionic surfactant aqueous two-phase system

The cloud point of nonionic surfactant (Triton X-114) in ionic liquid ([Bmim]Cl) aqueous solution exhibits as increase and then decrease and increase again with the increase of ionic liquid (IL) content, which is the origin of an IL–nonionic surfactant aqueous two-phase system. The nonionic surfactant-rich phase coexists with a high content of IL aqueous solution phase in the IL–nonionic surfactant aqueous two-phase system. The partitioning of various ionic dyes indicates that anionic species exhibit a high partitioning coefficient between the IL-rich phase and the nonionic surfactant-rich phase.     

Liquid–liquid extraction of toluene from its mixtures with aliphatic hydrocarbons using an ionic liquid as the solvent

The knowledge of liquid–liquid equilibria (LLE) of the ternary systems (alkane/toluene/ionic liquid) is essential to develop thermodynamic models for liquid–liquid extraction of aromatics such as toluene from its mixtures with aliphatic hydrocarbons. In this study, new experimental LLE data for the ternary systems (hexane and heptane/toluene/1-methyl-3-octylimidazolium tetraflouroborate) are measured at T = 298.15 K and atmospheric pressure. The capability of ionic liquid for extracting toluene from its azeotropic mixture with aliphatic hydrocarbons (hexane and heptane) has been evaluated by the selectivity and solute distribution coefficients. The Othmer–Tobias equation has been applied to check the consistency of the experimental tie-lines. Finally, the obtained experimental LLE data are satisfactorily correlated by the nonrandom two-liquid model.     

Liquid–liquid extraction of hydroxytyrosol,tyrosol, and oleuropein using ionic liquids

ABSTRACT

Hydroxytyrosol (HT), tyrosol (TY), and oleuropein (OL) are valuable compounds that can be obtained from olive oil production waste. This study implemented liquid–liquid extraction to obtain HT, TY, and OL from model solutions using two organic solvents, namely, ethyl acetate and n-butyl acetate, and three ionic liquids (ILs), namely, [P_6,6,6,14][Tf₂N], [P_6,6,6,14][DCA], and [omim][Tf₂N]. [P_6,6,6,14][DCA] showed the best performance, with extraction efficiencies of 92%, 96%, and 83% for HT, TY, and OL, respectively. [omim][Tf₂N] showed the highest selectivity in the extraction of TY. Comparisons of the results of a proposed mathematical model with experimental data yielded errors lower than 0.5%.     

Modified COSMO-UNIFAC model for ionic liquid–CO2 systems and molecular dynamic simulation

A new predictive molecular thermodynamic model (i.e., modified COSMO-SAC-UNIFAC) was first proposed and extended to predict the solubility of CO₂ in pure and mixed ionic liquids (ILs) at the temperatures down to 263.2 K. It is interesting to discover that with equimolar amounts, the solubility of CO₂ in such 1:1 IL pairs, that is, [A₁][B₁] + [A₂][B₂] and [A₁][B₂] + [A₂][B₁], was consistent at the same temperature and pressure in the case of exchanging their respective cations and anions. The molecular dynamic (MD) simulation for CO₂ + mixed ILs was performed to deeply analyze and explain this intriguing phenomenon. Not only the CO₂ gas drying experiment with the ILs ([C2mim][OAc], [C2mim][dca], and [C2mim][OAc] + [C2mim][dca]) as absorbents but also the corresponding process simulation and optimization were made to stress the effectiveness and applicability of the new thermodynamic model. Thus, this work ranges from molecular level to systematic scale.     

Modeling vapor–liquid equilibrium and liquid–liquid extraction of deep eutectic solvents and ionic liquids using perturbed-chain statistical associating fluid theory equation of state. Part II

This study aims to use perturbed-chain statistical associating fluid theory (PC-SAFT) to describe the phase behavior of systems containing deep eutectic solvents (DESs) and ionic liquids (ILs). The DESs are based on tetrabutylammonium chloride and tetrabutylammonium bromide as hydrogen bond acceptors, and levulinic acid and diethylene glycol as hydrogen bond donors in the mole ratio of 1:2 and 1:4, respectively. Predictions of phase equilibria by PC-SAFT were compared with the results of COnductor like Screening MOdel for Real Solvents (COSMO-RS) and non-random two-liquid (NRTL). In this work, low viscosity ether- and pyridinium-based ILs [E_nPy][NTf₂] and [C_mPy][NTf₂] were used for vapor–liquid equilibrium systems, while 1-(2-methoxyethyl)-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)-amide and 1-propyl-3-methylimidazolium bis{trifluoromethylsulfonyl}imide with n-heptane + thiophene and n-hexane + ethylbenzene were used in the liquid–liquid extraction, respectively. In the last part, the phase behavior of the mixtures of perfluoroalkylalkanes with their linear alkane counterparts was studied and compared with the SAFT-Mie pair potential.     

Removal of mercaptans from light oils using ionic liquid–NaOH aqueous solution as extractants

The application of ionic liquids as alternatives to conventional organic solvents in the extraction process has been investigated. In the present study, fourteen species of imidazolium-based ionic liquids were added into the Na OH(aq) to remove the mercaptans. The influences of anion species and cation alkyl chain length of the imidazolium-based ionic liquids on the performance of mercaptan removal from light oils have been discussed.The efficiency of extraction for mercaptans exhibited the order of [Ac]~-N [OH]~-≈ [Br]~-N [BF4]~-. The longer alkyl chain imidazolium-based ionic liquids contributed to enhance desulfurization rate of 1-butyl mercaptan.100% desulfurization rate of 1-butyl mercaptan was achieved by the anion of Ac-ionic liquids and Na OH(aq)at a volume ratio of 40:1(V(oil):V(ionic liquid)) and a short equilibrium time within 10 min.     

Synthesis of ［EMIM］Br-AlCl3 ionic liquid

采用N-甲基咪唑、溴乙烷、AlCl₃常规回流法以及微波法合成离子液体,研究［EMIM］Br中间体的产率;采用量子化学方法计算离子液体结构,明确合成反应的机理;通过紫外光谱和红外光谱表征［EMIM］Br-AlCl₃离子液体的结构;测试离子液体的密度、电导率等性质。结果表明：常规回流法以N-甲基咪唑和溴乙烷为原料,在70℃温度下反应5 h,反应产率为87.9%;微波法反应时间1000 s,产率为94.2%;40℃下密度为1.46 g·cm^-3,电导率为21 S·m^-1;用DFT B3LYP 量子化学计算方法研究离子液体的构型,离子液体的合成反应遵循SN2反应机理;紫外光谱和红外光谱表征了［EMIM］Br和AlCl₃/［EMIM］Br离子液体的结构。     

Extending the UNIFAC model for ionic liquid–solute systems by combining experimental and computational databases

Considering that the predictive UNIFAC model is highly valuable for the solvent selection, process design and optimization of separation tasks, a large extension of this model to ionic liquid (IL)–solute systems is presented by combining experimental and COSMO-RS derived databases. The experimental infinite dilution activity coefficient (γ^∞) data of different solutes in ILs are first collected exhaustively to extend UNIFAC-IL to cover all involved IL and conventional functional groups. Afterwards, the experimental and COSMO-RS calculated γ^∞ are compared for different types of solutes to evaluate the potential of using COSMO-RS predictions as quasi-experimental data for further UNIFAC-IL extension. In the cases where COSMO-RS can provide quantitatively accurate predictions after calibration, additional γ^∞ database is specifically generated to regress more group interaction parameters in the UNIFAC-IL model. Finally, a large experimental liquid–liquid and vapor–liquid equilibria database is collected and employed to evaluate the predictive performance of the obtained γ^∞-based UNIFAC-IL model.     

Dispersion of liquid–liquid phase by a jet-induced gas–liquid–liquid mixing column developed for separation of organic pollutants

This article presents the gas and liquid entrainment and its dispersion in a gas–liquid–liquid mixing column. The variations in phase entrainment is observed with the change in the paraffin liquid and kerosene volume fraction from 5% to 35% due to the increase in the flow resistance with increase in the effective viscosity of the liquid–liquid mixture. The degree of dispersion is enunciated based on the axial dispersion model and the flow resistance of the phases in the column. A correlation is proposed to interpret the entrainment of phase as a function of operating variables within the range of experimental conditions.     

Polymeric ionic liquid—assisted polymerization for soluble polyaniline nanofibers

To enhance the solubility of polyanilines(PANI),polymeric ionic liquid(PIL)was introduced into the polymerization synthesis of PANI with various proportions.The structure and properties of the modified PANIs were characterized by 1H NMR,Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy,thermogravimetric analysis,ultraviolet-visible spectrum,etc.It was found that the obtained PANIs doped with PILs were soluble in various organic solvents such as N,N-dimethyl formamide and acetonitrile.Compared with the pure PANI,the PANIs doped by PILs showed remarkable solubility and their chemical structure and conductivity kept integrated.     

Supported Pd Nanoparticles for Carbon–Carbon Coupling Reactions

We intent to present an overview of the available catalysts for the carbon–carbon cross-coupling reactions based on supported palladium (Pd) nanoparticles (NPs). We begin this perspective with a brief introduction about the cross-coupling reactions and the mechanistic implications of using Pd NPs as catalyst, i.e. heterogeneous versus homogeneous catalysis, then we summarize some of the most versatile Pd supported catalysts as a function of its nature. The supported catalysts have been classified in inorganic, organic and hybrid supports. Finally we outline the perspectives for the development of new Pd supported catalysts.     

Evaporative liquid jets in gas–liquid–solid flow system

Some aspects of the fundamental characteristics of evaporative liquid jets in gas–liquid–solid flows are studied and some pertinent literature is reviewed. Specifically, two conditions for the solids concentration in the flow are considered, including the dilute phase condition as in pneumatic convey and the dense phase condition as in bubbling or turbulent fluidized beds. Comparisons of the fundamental behavior are made of the gas–solid flow with dispersed non-evaporative as well as with evaporative liquids.For dilute phase conditions, experiments and analyses are conducted to examine the individual phase motion and boundaries of the evaporative region and the jet. Effects of the solids loading and heat capacity, system temperature, gas flow velocity and liquid injection angle on the jet behavior in gas and gas–solid flows are discussed. For dense phase conditions, experiments are conducted to examine the minimum fluidization velocity and solids distribution across the bed under various gases and liquid flow velocities. The electric capacitance tomography is developed for the first time for three-phase real time imaging of the dense gas–solid flow with evaporative liquid jets. The images reflect significantly varied bubbling phenomenon compared to those in gas–solid fluidized beds without evaporative liquid jets.     

Silica-Supported Amine Catalysts for Carbon–Carbon Addition Reactions

Basic catalysts for carbon?Ccarbon addition reactions were synthesized by immobilization of amine species on silica supports. Tetraethylenepentamine was impregnated and immobilized on amorphous silica (SiO₂) and SBA-15 using an epoxy resin. The basicity of the catalysts was determined by adsorption?Cdesorption of CO₂ and the degree of immobilization was evaluated by FTIR. The catalytic activity towards the Claisen condensation reaction of methyl benzoate and methyl ethyl ketone was evaluated by an in-situ FTIR micro-scale reactor. A mechanism is proposed to show that the catalysts promote the formation of ??-diketone and methanol; the effects of the support and amine immobilization degree are discussed.     

Prediction of CO2/O2 absorption selectivity using supported ionic liquid membranes (SILMs) for gas–liquid membrane contactor

Given their unique and tunable properties as solvents, ionic liquids (ILs) have become a favorable solvent option in separation processes, particularly for capturing carbon dioxide (CO₂). In this work, a simple method that can be used to screen the suitable IL candidates was implemented in our modified gas–liquid membrane contactor system. Solubilities, selectivities of CO₂, nitrogen (N₂), and oxygen (O₂) gases in imidazolium-based ILs and its activity coefficients in water and monoethanolamine (MEA) were predicted using conductor-like screening model for real solvent (COSMO-RS) method over a wide range of temperature (298.15–348.15?K). Results from the analysis revealed that [emim] [NTf₂] IL is a good candidate for further absorption process attributed to its good hydrophobicity and CO₂/O₂ selectivity characteristics. While their miscibility with pure MEA was somehow higher, utilizing the aqueous phase of MEA would be beneficial in this stage. Data on absorption performances and selectivity of CO₂/O₂ are scarce especially in gas–liquid membrane contactor system. Therefore, considering [emim] [NTf₂] IL as a supporting material in supported ionic liquid membranes (SILMs), using aqueous phase of MEA as an absorbent would result in a great membrane-solvent combination system in furthering our gas–liquid membrane contactor process. In conclusion, COSMO-RS is a potentially great predictive utility to screen ILs for specified separation applications. In addition, this work provides useful results for the [emim] [NTf₂]-SILMs to be extensively applied in the field of CO₂ capture and selective O₂ removal.     

Palladium nanoparticles immobilized in ionic liquid: An outstanding catalyst for the Suzuki C–C coupling

Palladium nanoparticles, stabilised by [BMI][PF₆], have been generated from [PdCl₂(cod)] under hydrogen atmosphere, leading to a high catalytic activity in the Suzuki cross-coupling reaction without palladium leaching up to ten cycles.     

Physicochemical properties of amide–AlCl_3 based ionic liquid analogues and their mixtures with copper salt

The physicochemical properties of three different amide–AlCl_3 based ionic liquid(IL) analogues and their mixtures with copper salt, such as conductivity, viscosity, density and isobutane solubility were determined over a wide range of temperatures.The effects of amide structure, amide/AlCl_3 molar ratio and CuCl modification on these physicochemical properties were investigated.Results showed that the conductivity of amide–AlCl_3 based IL analogues was much lower than that of traditional Et_3NHCl–AlCl_3 IL with same ligand/AlCl_3 molar ratio due to incomplete splitting of AlCl_3, whereas the density and viscosity of amide–AlCl_3 based IL analogues were slightly higher.The viscosity of amide–AlCl_3 based IL analogues was closely related to the amide structure,and followed the order of DMA–AlCl_3AA–AlCl_3NMA–AlCl_3 with same amide/AlCl_3 molar ratio.Meanwhile,the density of amide–AlCl_3 based IL analogues ranked in the following order: AA–AlCl_3NMA–AlCl_3DMA–AlCl_3.Increasing the amide/AlCl_3 molar ratio decreased the conductivity and density, while increased the viscosity.The solubility experiment indicated that the isobutane solubility in NMA–AlCl_3 was highest than that in two other IL analogues.Under the modification of CuCl, the conductivity, viscosity and density of these IL analogues increased, whereas the isobutane solubility decreased.These results provide the foundation for the development of a suitable IL analogue catalyst for isobutane alkylation.