Properties and Applications of Ionic Liquids in Energy and Environmental Science

About this Research Topic

Background

Ionic liquids (ILs) are salts composed of cations and anions that are liquids at or below 100 °C. The main reasons for the low melting points of ILs are the size difference between the cations and anions and their molecular structure, which contains a high degree of asymmetry. The lack of symmetry affects ionic packing by decreasing the Coulombic attraction between the ions. In particular, salts that are molten at room temperature are called "room temperature ionic liquids" (RTILs). RTILs generally consist of organic cations with low molecular symmetry and organic or inorganic anions. As compared to molecular liquids, ILs exhibit many unusual properties that make them very attractive for various industrial applications. ILs are highly polar, non-volatile, have high thermal and electrochemical stability, high ionic conductivity, remain liquid at a wide temperature range, and can be tailored for specific applications. The design potential comes from the large variety of cations and anions that can be combined into an unlimited number of possible ionic liquids for various applications.

The unique properties of ILs open a gateway for new applications and improvements of existing technologies. ILs have been widely used in organic synthesis, catalysis, electrochemistry, recyclable solvents for organic reactions and separation processes, active pharmaceutical ingredients, extraction of metal ions, biomass processing, lubrication, functional materials and energy storage devices including batteries and supercapacitors.

The topics that will be considered for this Research Topic include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Basic understanding of the dynamic and interfacial properties of ionic liquids
• Ionic liquids-based electrolytes for energy storage devices including batteries and supercapacitors
• Ionic liquids for CO₂ capture and conversion
• Ionic liquids in tribology
• Biomass processing in ionic liquids
• Gas solubility in ionic liquids
• Thermal energy storage in ionic liquids

Keywords: Ionic liquids, energy storage, environmental pollution, biomass processing, CO2 capture and conversion

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