The uses of ionic liquids in designing new separation processes have recently been extensively explored.<sup>1</sup> For example, large distribution coefficients for the extraction of metal ions based on the ionic liquids containing complexing ligands have been observed. The enhanced distribution coefficients are fundamentally correlated to the unique interactions of ionic liquids with solutes and cooperative ion-exchange processes. The wide variation in the strength of the interaction forces allows us to rationally design a “smart” ionic solvent for a specific separation process. We will discuss our recent results on fundamental studies concerning the solvation properties of ionic liquids, the effects of second coordination shells in ionic liquids, and their applications in designing new separation processes.

Solvent extractions based on ionic liquids: Ion recognition through ionic liquids

254th National Meeting (2017)

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