Ionic liquids in separation techniques

The growing interest in ionic liquids (ILs) has resulted in an exponentially increasing production of analytical applications. The potential of ILs in chemistry is related to their unique properties as non-molecular solvents: a negligible vapor pressure associated to a high thermal stability. ILs found uses in different sub-disciplines of analytical chemistry. After drawing a rapid picture of the physicochemical properties of selected ILs, this review focuses on their use in separation techniques: gas chromatography (GC), liquid chromatography (LC) and electrophoretic methods (CE). In LC and CE, ILs are not used as pure solvents, but rather diluted in aqueous solutions. In this situation ILs are just salts. They are dual in nature. Too often the properties of the cations are taken as the properties of the IL itself. The lyotropic theory is recalled and the effects of a chaotropic anion are pointed out. Many results can be explained considering all ions present in the solution. Ion-pairing and ion-exchange mechanisms are always present, associated with hydrophobic interactions, when dealing with IL in diluted solutions. Chromatographic and electrophoretic methods are also mainly employed for the control and monitoring of ILs. These methods are also considered. ILs will soon be produced on an industrial scale and it will be necessary to develop reliable analytical procedures for their analysis and control.     

Extraction separation of rare-earth ions via competitive ligand complexations between aqueous and ionic-liquid phases

The extraction separation of rare earth elements is one of the most challenging separation processes in hydrometallurgy and advanced nuclear fuel cycles. The TALSPEAK process (trivalent actinide lanthanide separations by phosphorus-reagent extraction from aqueous komplexes) is a prime example of these separation processes. The objective of this paper is to explore the use of ionic liquids (ILs) for the TALSPEAK-like process, to further enhance its extraction efficiencies for lanthanides, and to investigate the potential of using this modified TALSPEAK process for separation of lanthanides among themselves. Eight imidazolium ILs ([C(n)mim][NTf(2)] and [C(n)mim][BETI], n = 4,6,8,10) and one pyrrolidinium IL ([C(4)mPy][NTf(2)]) were investigated as diluents using di(2-ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid (HDEHP) as an extractant for the separation of lanthanide ions from aqueous solutions of 50 mM glycolic acid or citric acid and 5 mM diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA). The extraction efficiencies were studied in comparison with diisopropylbenzene (DIPB), an organic solvent used as a diluent for the conventional TALSPEAK extraction system. Excellent extraction efficiencies and selectivities were found for a number of lanthanide ions using HDEHP as an extractant in these ILs. The effects of different alkyl chain lengths in the cations of ILs and of different anions on extraction efficiencies and selectivities of lanthanide ions are also presented in this paper.     

Ionic liquids in separations of azeotropic systems – A review

Efforts to make existing separation methods more efficient and eco-friendly may get a boost from the use of a relatively new class of compounds known as ionic liquids (ILs). The separation of azeotropic mixtures has conventionally been one of the most challenging tasks in industrial processes due to the fact that their separation by simple distillation is basically impossible.This paper provides a critical review of methods using ILs as azeotrope breakers. Three separation processes were addressed: liquid–liquid extraction, extractive distillation, and supported liquid membranes. We examine the azeotrope breaking potential of ILs and compare their performance to that of conventional solvents. A systematic analysis of the influence of the structure of ILs on their azeotrope breaking capacity contributes to the establishment of guidelines for selecting the most suitable ILs for the separation of specific azeotropic mixtures.     

离子液体在乙烯/乙烷和乙烯/乙炔分离中的应用

乙烯,作为石油化工行业的龙头原料,其高效回收分离具有重要的战略意义。离子液体作为一种结构可调控的新型绿色溶剂,在乙烯的回收分离中展现出巨大的应用前景。本文总结了近年来离子液体在乙烯/乙烷和乙烯/乙炔分离方面的研究进展,从溶剂吸收、膜吸收和与多孔材料相结合的吸附分离法等角度展开,系统地阐述了常规离子液体、功能化离子液体、聚离子液体等纯组分体系及多组分体系在不同分离方法中的研究现状,展望了离子液体在乙烯回收分离方面的应用前景和发展趋势。     

Microwave-assisted separation of ionic liquids from aqueous solution of ionic liquids

Microwave-assisted separation has been applied to recover ionic liquid (IL) from its aqueous solution as an efficient method with respect to time and energy compared to the conventional vacuum distillation. Hydrophilic ILs such as 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([Bmim][BF(4)]), 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium trifluoromethanesulfonate ([Bmim][TfO]) and 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium methylsulfate ([Emim][MS]) could be recovered in 6 min from the mixture of ILs and water (1:1, w/w) under microwave irradiation at constant power of 10 W while it took at least 240 min to obtain ILs containing same water content (less than 0.5 wt%) by conventional vacuum oven at 363.15 K with 90 kPa of vacuum pressure. Energy consumptions per gram of evaporated water from the homogeneous mixture of hydrophilic ILs and water (1:1, w/w) by microwave-assisted separation were at least 52 times more efficient than those in conventional vacuum oven. It demonstrated that microwave-assisted separation could be used for complete recovery of ILs in sense of time and energy as well as relevant purity.     

Synthesis of Purine-Based Ionic Liquids and Their Applications

Bio-based ionic liquids (ILs) are being increasingly sought after, as they are more sustainable and eco-friendly. Purines are the most widely distributed, naturally occurring N-heterocycles, but their low water-solubility limits their application. In this work, four purines (theobromine, theophylline, xanthine, and uric acid) were combined with the cation tetrabutylammonium to synthesize bio-based ILs. The physico–chemical properties of the purine-based ILs were characterized, including their melting and decomposition temperatures and water-solubility. The ecotoxicity against the microalgae Raphidocelis subcapitata was also determined. The ILs show good thermal stability (>457 K) and an aqueous solubility enhancement ranging from 53- to 870-fold, in comparison to their respective purine percursors, unlocking new prospects for their application where aqueous solutions are demanded. The ecotoxicity of these ILs seems to be dominated by the cation, and it is similar to chloride-based IL, emphasizing that the use of natural anions does not necessarily translate to more benign ILs. The application of the novel ILs in the formation of aqueous biphasic systems (ABS), and as solubility enhancers, was also evaluated. The ILs were able to form ABS with sodium sulfate and tripotassium citrate salts. The development of thermoresponsive ABS, using sodium sulfate as a salting-out agent, was accomplished, with the ILs having different thermosensitivities. In addition, the purine-based ILs acted as solubility enhancers of ferulic acid in aqueous solution.     

Reversible Hydrophobic–Hydrophilic Transition of Ionic Liquids Driven by Carbon Dioxide

Ionic liquids (ILs) with a reversible hydrophobic–hydrophilic transition were developed, and they exhibited unique phase behavior with H₂O: monophase in the presence of CO₂, but biphase upon removal of CO₂ at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. Thus, coupling of reaction, separation, and recovery steps in sustainable chemical processes could be realized by a reversible liquid–liquid phase transition of such IL‐H₂O mixtures. Spectroscopic investigations and DFT calculations showed that the mechanism behind hydrophobic–hydrophilic transition involved reversible reaction of CO₂ with anion of the ILs and formation of hydrophilic ammonium salts. These unique IL‐H₂O systems were successfully utilized for facile one‐step synthesis of Au porous films by bubbling CO₂ under ambient conditions. The Au porous films and the ILs were then separated simultaneously from aqueous solutions by bubbling N₂, and recovered ILs could be directly reused in the next process.     

离子液体参与构建的胶束

离子液体参与构建的有序组合体,以其独特的物理化学性质及在众多领域的应用潜能而引起广泛关注。本文结合我们的研究工作,对离子液体参与构建的胶束体系的主要研究成果进行了综述,重点介绍了传统表面活性剂在离子液体中胶束的形成、表面活性离子液体在水溶液中的聚集行为、离子液体作为添加剂对传统表面活性剂胶束的影响。在此基础上,归纳了部分体系胶束形成的机理和规律,并展望了离子液体构建的胶束体系研究和发展的方向。     

1-丁基-3-甲基咪唑甲基磺酸盐水溶液中酚型木质素单体溶解的二维相关红外光谱分析北大核心CSCD

当离子液体(IL)水溶液—1-丁基-3-甲基咪唑甲基磺酸盐([C_(4)C_(1)im]CH_(3)SO_(3))的摩尔分数x_(IL)=0.20时,酚型木质素单体模型化合物2,6-二甲氧基苯酚(2,6-DMP)的溶解度最高。这一现象与木质素溶解规律相似。利用二维相关红外光谱(2D-IR)研究2,6-DMP在[C_(4)C_(1)im]CH_(3)SO_(3)水溶液中溶解过程,以帮助深入理解木质素在IL水溶液中溶解机制。以x_(IL)变量的2D-IR分析结果表明,x_(IL)=0.02~0.20条件下IL加入破坏水的弱氢键结构,IL阴阳离子以水合离子对形式存在,疏水性2,6-DMP与[C_(4)C_(1)im]+和CH_(3)SO_(3)−同时发生相互作用,促进2,6-DMP溶解;x_(IL)=0.20~1.0条件下,IL形成致密离子簇结构,不利于2,6-DMP与IL阴阳离子相互作用。以2,6-DMP摩尔分数(x_(DMP))为变量的分析结果表明,加入2,6-DMP对IL结构影响小,而对水的微观结构影响大。对于具有离子对结构的IL水溶液(x_(IL)=0.10),水优先与CH_(3)SO_(3)−作用;对于具有离子簇结构的IL水溶液(x_(IL)=0.60),水优先形成自缔合小水簇结构。IL水溶液微观结构影响IL-水与2,6-DMP之间相互作用和2,6-DMP溶解特性,同时2,6-DMP溶解也导致IL水溶液的微观结构变化。     

Effects of cationic head groups of ionic liquid on micellization in aqueous solution of PEO-PPO-PEO triblock copolymer

The interaction of ionic liquids (ILs) with non-ionic triblock copolymer, Pluronic® P123 in aqueous solutions has been investigated using DLS, surface tension, and viscosity measurements. The addition of ILs increased the Critical Micelle Concentration (CMC) of P123, which appears to be logistic. As the added IL enhances the solubility of PPO moiety (and PEO), which makes them to behave like a more hydrophilic block copolymer that would be micellized at high copolymer concentration. The DLS data is in good agreement to the results observed from surface tension measurements. Viscosity results show the propensity in micellar size reduction upon addition of ILs, and hence, intrinsic viscosity decreases as compared to pure P123 aqueous solution. The results are studied and discussed as a function of cationic head groups of N-octyl-pyridinium/imidazolium chloride based ILs.     

Phase separation in mixtures of ionic liquids and water

The phase separation of ionic liquids (ILs) in water is studied by laser light scattering (LLS). For the ILs with longer alkyl chains, such as [C(8)mim]BF(4) and [C(6)mim]BF(4) (mim = methylimidazolium), macroscopic phase separation occurs in the mixture with water. LLS also reveals the coexistence of the mesoscopic phase, the size of which is in the order of 100-800 nm. In aqueous mixtures of ILs with shorter alkyl chains, such as [C(4)mim]BF(4), only the mesoscopic phase exists. The mesoscopic phase can be effectively removed by filtration through a 0.22 μm filter. However, it reforms with time and can be enhanced by lowering the temperature, thus indicating that it is controlled by thermodynamics. The degree of mesoscopic phase separation can be used to evaluate the miscibility of ILs with water. This study helps to optimize the applications of ILs in related fields, as well as the recycling of ILs in the presence of water.     

Thermodynamic studies of ionic interactions in aqueous solutions of imidazolium-based ionic liquids [Emim][Br] and [Bmim][Cl

Experimental measurements of density at different temperatures ranging from 293.15 to 313.15 K, the speed of sound and osmotic coefficients at 298.15 K for aqueous solution of 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide ([Emim][Br]), and osmotic coefficients at 298.15 K for aqueous solutions of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([Bmim][Cl]) in the dilute concentration region are taken. The data are used to obtain compressibilities, expansivity, apparent and limiting molar properties, internal pressure, activity, and activity coefficients for [Emim][Br] in aqueous solutions. Experimental activity coefficient data are compared with that obtained from Debye-Hückel and Pitzer models. The activity data are further used to obtain the hydration number and the osmotic second virial coefficients of ionic liquids. Partial molar entropies of [Bmim][Cl] are also obtained using the free-energy and enthalpy data. The distance of the closest approach of ions is estimated using the activity data for ILs in aqueous solutions and is compared with that of X-ray data analysis in the solid phase. The measured data show that the concentration dependence for aqueous solutions of [Emim][Br] can be accounted for in terms of the hydrophobic hydration of ions and that this IL exhibits Coulombic interactions as well as hydrophobic hydration for both the cations and anions. The small hydration numbers for the studied ILs indicate that the low charge density of cations and their hydrophobic nature is responsible for the formation of the water-structure-enforced ion pairs.     

A comparison of ionic liquids to molecular organic solvents as additives for chiral separations in micellar electrokinetic chromatography

In this study, we report the effects of adding ionic liquids (ILs), as compared to adding conventional molecular organic solvents (MOSs), to aqueous buffer solutions containing molecular micelles in the separation of chiral analyte mixtures in micellar EKC (MEKC). The molecular micelle used in this study was polysodium oleyl-L-leucylvalinate (poly-L-SOLV). The ILs were 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate, where the alkyl group was ethyl, butyl, hexyl, or octyl. These ILs were chosen due to their hydrophobicity, good solvating, and electrolyte properties. Thus, it was expected that these ILs would have favorable interactions with chiral analytes and not adversely affect the background current. Common CE buffers, mixed with a molecular micelle, and an IL or a MOS, were used for these chiral separations. The buffers containing an IL in the concentration range of 0.02-0.1 v/v were found to support a reasonable current when an electric field strength of 500 V/cm was applied across the capillary. However, a current break down was observed for the buffers containing more than 60% v/v MOS on application of the above-mentioned electric field. The chiral resolution and selectivity of the analytes were dependent on the concentration and type of IL or MOS used.     

Enhancing protease enantioselectivity by ionic liquids based on chiral- or ω-amino acids

Ionic liquids (ILs) carrying anions of chiral- or ω-amino acids were prepared. The enzymatic hydrolysis of phenylalanine methyl ester was studied in aqueous solutions of these ILs. These ILs were found capable of stabilizing the protease activity and enantioselectivity at low concentrations. Interestingly, higher ees and yields of l-phenylalanine were generally observed in ILs based on d-amino acids rather than in those derived from l-isomers. The reason could be that d-amino acids are more kosmotropic than l-isomers. Meanwhile, the IL–D₂O solution was able to further enhance the enzymatic resolution, when comparing with that in an IL–H₂O system.     

Analytical developments and applications of ionic liquids for environmental studies

Ionic liquids (ILs) are considered advanced solvents with interesting properties that have led to remarkable improvements in the performance of analytical methods and their practical application. Analytical chemistry has profited from the evolution of ILs in diverse contexts, ranging from their applications in microextractions to uses as matrices for mass spectrometric determinations. Their use in sample preparation has meant significant improvements in terms of miniaturization and analytical performance, and given place to new techniques based on liquid-liquid and solid-phase extractions; the latter greatly driven forward by the combination of ILs with nanomaterials. Furthermore, electrodes have been prepared by combining ILs with different modern materials, significantly improving the sensitivity and selectivity of electroanalytical methods. Moreover, the implementation of ILs as additives to mobile and stationary phases in separation techniques has been proved to improve liquid and gas chromatography, as well as capillary electrophoresis, in terms of the number of analytes that can be efficiently separated and of the useful life of columns, representing also a promising alternative to environmentally dangerous organic solvents. Additionally, their application as matrix modifiers and as ion-pairing additives has introduced their use in mass spectrometry. In this review, the design and implementation of innovative and highly efficient analytical methods based on ILs for the sensitive and selective determination of diverse analytes in environmental matrices is described. Critical issues that have arisen from their application and future challenges in electrochemical, separation and preconcentration techniques based on these solvents are also presented.     

Uranyl coordination environment in hydrophobic ionic liquids: an in situ investigation

Different inner-sphere coordination environments are observed for the uranyl nitrate complexes formed with octyl-phenyl-N,N-diisobutylcarbamoylmethylphosphine oxide and tributyl phosphate in dodecane and in the hydrophobic ionic liquids (ILs) [C(4)mim][PF(6)] and [C(8)mim][N(SO(2)CF(3))(2)]. Qualitative differences in the coordination environment of the extracted uranyl species are implied by changes in peak intensity patterns and locations for uranyl UV-visible spectral bands when the solvent is changed. EXAFS data for uranyl complexes in dodecane solutions is consistent with hexagonal bipyramidal coordination and the existence of UO(2)(NO(3))(2)(CMPO)(2). In contrast, the complexes formed when uranyl is transferred from aqueous nitric acid solutions into the ILs exhibit an average equatorial coordination number of approximately 4.5. Liquid/liquid extraction results for uranyl in both ILs indicate a net stoichiometry of UO(2)(NO(3))(CMPO)(+). The concentration of the IL cation in the aqueous phase increases in proportion to the amount of UO(2)(NO(3))(CMPO)(+) in the IL phase, supporting a predominantly cation exchange mechanism for partitioning in the IL systems.     

Increased paraoxon detection by acetylcholinesterase inactivation with ionic liquid additives

This is the first study using ionic liquids (ILs) as additive in the aqueous solvent medium for detection of paraoxon by acetylcholinesterase inhibition method. A systematic comparison of various ILs with organic solvents has been made. The aqueous buffer solution containing ionic liquid ethylpyridinium hexafluorophosphate [EtPy]⁺[PF₆]⁻ has been found to give the best results. The inhibition kinetic follows the first order model. Ionic liquids modified aqueous solutions show the potential to provide a promising and effective medium in detection of paraoxon with acetylcholinesterase.     

Ionic liquids as surfactants

Problems of self-assembling in systems containing ionic liquids (ILs) are discussed. Main attention is paid to micellization in aqueous solutions of dialkylimidazolium ILs and their mixtures with classical surfactants. Literature data are reviewed, the results obtained by the authors and co-workers are presented. Thermodynamic aspects of the studies and problems of molecular-thermodynamic modeling receive special emphasis. It is shown that the aggregation behavior of dialkylimidazolium ILs is close to that of alkyltrimethylammonium salts (cationic surfactants) though ILs have a higher ability to self-organize, especially as it concerns long-range ordering. Some aspects of ILs applications are outlined where their common features with classical surfactants and definite specificity are of value.     

Hydrogen bonding mediated ion pairs of some aprotic ionic liquids and their structural transition in aqueous solution

Ion pair speciation of ionic liquids(ILs) has an important effect on the physical and chemical properties of ILs and recognition of the structure of ion pairs in solution is essential. It has been reported that ion pairs of some ILs can be formed by hydrogen bonding interactions between cations and anions of them. Considering the fact that far-IR(FIR) spectroscopy is a powerful tool in indicating the intermolecular and intramolecular hydrogen bonding, in this work, this spectroscopic technique has been combined with molecular dynamic(MD) simulation and nuclear magnetic resonance hydrogen spectroscopy(~1H NMR) to investigate ion pairs of aprotic ILs [Bmim][NO_3], [BuPy][NO_3], [Pyr_(14)][NO_3], [PP_(14)][NO_3] and [Bu-choline][NO_3] in aqueous IL mixtures. The FIR spectra have been assigned with the aid of density functional theory(DFT) calculations, and the results are used to understand the effect of cationic nature on the structure of ion pairs. It is found that contact ion pairs formed in the neat aprotic ILs by hydrogen bonding interactions between cation and anion, were still maintained in aqueous solutions up to high water mole fraction(say 0.80 for [BuPy][NO3]). When water content was increased to a critical mole fraction of water(say 0.83 for [BuPy][NO3]), the contact ion pairs could be transformed into solvent-separated ion pairs due to the formation of the hydrogen bonding between ions and water. With the further dilution of the aqueous ILs solution, the solvent-separated ion pairs was finally turned into free cations and free anions(fully hydrated cations or anions). The concentrations of the ILs at which the contact ion pairs were transformed into solvent-separated ion pairs and solvent-separated ion pairs were transformed into free ions(fully hydrated ion) were dependent on the cationic structures. These information provides direct spectral evidence for ion pair structures of the aprotic ILs in aqueous solution. MD simulation and ~1H NMR results support the conclusion drawn from FIR spectra investigations.     

Extraction behavior of lanthanides using a diglycolamide derivative TODGA in ionic liquids

Liquid-liquid extraction of lanthanides from aqueous solutions into ionic liquids (ILs) has been investigated using N,N,N',N'-tetra(n-octyl)diglycolamide (TODGA) as an extractant, and compared with that in the isooctane system. Application of ILs as the extracting phase provided unprecedented enhancement of the extraction performance of TODGA for lanthanides compared with that of the isooctane system. Slope analysis confirmed that TODGA in ILs formed a 1 : 3 complex with La(3+), Eu(3+), or Lu(3+). On the other hand, the molar ratios of species extracted into isooctane were 1 : 3 for La(3+) or 1 : 4 for Eu(3+) and Lu(3+), depending on the atomic number of the lanthanide. The transfer of lanthanides with TODGA into ILs proceeded via a cation-exchange mechanism, in contrast to ion pair extraction in the isooctane system. Furthermore, we clarified that TODGA provided selectivity for the middle lanthanides in the ILs systems, but heavier lanthanides in the isooctane system.