Researchers demonstrate economical process for the synthesis and purification of ionic liquids

Schematic of ionic liquid synthesis and purification process. Credit: Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research (2024). DOI: 10.1021/acs.iecr.4c01218

Recently, a team of researchers from Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), the Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, and Chonnam National University has developed a technique to separate well-mixed mixtures.

The research team led by Professor Jee-hoon Han from the Department of Chemical Engineering at POSTECH created a technology for the efficient synthesis and purification of ionic liquids. Their research was recently featured as the cover paper in the online edition of Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research.

Professor Jee-hoon Han collaborated on the research with Director Ji Hoon Park, Principal Researcher Soo Min Kim, and Researcher Myungho Choi from CO2 & Energy Research Center at the Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, and Chonnam National University Professor Jaewon Byun.

Ionic liquids are salts that remain in a liquid state at room temperature or even at relatively low temperatures due to strong electrical interactions between their ions. Unlike common salts, they possess unique properties such as nonflammability, low volatility, and thermal and chemical stability, making them valuable for various industrial applications including catalysts and electrolytes.

One of the most studied ionic liquids is [bmim][BF4], known for its high stability and low toxicity. However, the complex and expensive process of removing impurities such as lithium chloride (LiCl) during synthesis has been a significant barrier to the technology’s commercialization.

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