FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY OWERRI

P.M.B 1526, OWERRI, IMO STATE.

SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY

A SEMINAR EPORT

ON

IONIC LIQUIDS AND APPLICATIONS

DONE BY

AKAM JOSHUA CHIBUZOR

20191157973

SUPERVISED BY:

ENGR. NKUZINNA O. C.

SUBMITTED TO:

THE DEPARTMENT OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE

AWARD OF BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING (B.ENG) DEGREE IN
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

NOVEMBER, 2024.

i
 CERTIFICATION

This is to certify that this seminar report on “IONIC LIQUIDS AND APPLICATIONS” was
done by AKAM JOSHUA CHIBUZOR (Reg. No: 20191157973) under my supervisor in
partial fulfillment of the award of a Bachelor’s degree (B. Eng.) in Chemical Engineering from
the Federal University of Technology, Owerri.

………………………………… .……………………………..

ENGR. NKUZINNA O. C. DATE

Supervisor

…………………………………. ……………………………..

DR A.C ORGA DATE

Head of Department

…………………………………. ……………………………..

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 DEDICATION

I sincerely dedicate this report to God almighty and my Parents and Guardians (Mr. and Mrs
Akam) for their massive support. Also I humbly wish to dedicate this report to all upcoming
students of chemical Engineering worldwide to serve as an insight and encouragement in their
respective pursuit for knowledge and information.

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 ACKNOWLEDGMENT

My profound gratitude goes to God Almighty for His infinite mercy, blessings, guidance and
providence, understanding and loving kindness that He bestowed upon me. I greatly express my
gratitude to my HOD, Course adviser, my supervisor, Engr O.C Nkuzina, my lecturers in the
Department of Chemical Engineering for their guidance so far.

A special thanks to my parents and siblings. I am really proud of them for their relentless effort,
guidance and counselling.

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 Table of Contents
COVER PAGE.................................................................................................................................i

CERTIFICATION...........................................................................................................................ii

DEDICATION...............................................................................................................................iii

ACKNOWLEDGMENT................................................................................................................iv

ABSTRACT...................................................................................................................................vi

INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1

1.1 Background of study.............................................................................................................1

1.2 Problem Statement.................................................................................................................2

1.3 Objectives of study................................................................................................................3

1.4 Significance of The Study......................................................................................................3

1.5 Scope of The Study...............................................................................................................4

CHAPTER TWO.............................................................................................................................5

2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW.....................................................................................................5

2.1 Structure of Ionic Liquids.....................................................................................................5

2.1.2 Properties of Ionic Liquids..........................................................................................6

2.1.3 Synthesis of Ionic Liquids.............................................................................................6

2.1.4 Types Of Ionic Liquids..................................................................................................7

2.1.5 Ionic Liquids In Green Chemistry.................................................................................8

2.1.6 Ionic Liquids in Material Science.................................................................................9

2.1.7 Ionic Liquids In Energy Storage And Conversion......................................................10

2.1.8 Ionic Liquids as Green Corrosion Inhibitors...............................................................11

CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................12

RECOMMENDATIONS...............................................................................................................13

REFEFERENCES..........................................................................................................................14

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 ABSTRACT

Ionic liquids (ILs) are unique compounds composed entirely of ions, characterized by their
tunable properties such as low vapor pressure, high thermal stability, and negligible
flammability. These properties make ILs versatile materials for a wide range of applications
across various fields. In industrial settings, they function as designer solvents, enhancing
processes in solvent chemistry, catalysis, and electrochemistry due to their ability to be tailored
for specific tasks. In the realm of medicinal chemistry, ILs have shown promise as active
pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and precursors, exhibiting beneficial biological properties
including antimicrobial and anticancer activities. Their application extends to energy
technologies, where they serve as electrolytes in batteries and supercapacitors, improving safety
and efficiency . Moreover, ILs are utilized in environmental applications for CO2 capture and
biomass processing, highlighting their potential in sustainable practices. Overall, the diverse
utility of ionic liquids positions them as critical components in advancing both scientific research
and industrial processes.

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 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of study

Chemical researchers have been very interested in ionic liquids (ILs), which are organic salts
with a melting point that is typically lower than 100 °C. They have been the subject of significant
investigation for nearly 20 years, because of the many domains in which they might be used,
interest in them is still high (Marullo et al., 2021). Ionic liquids are defined as substances mostly
made up of ions that have a melting point of less than 100°C. The biggest benefit of creating
ionic liquids with certain properties is that their qualities may be altered based on the
requirements by carefully choosing the cations and anions. Ionic liquids are sometimes referred
to as "designer chemicals" because of this, since they can be used as solvents or catalysts for a
variety of chemical processes (Verma et al., 2017). The exploration of ionic liquids began with
the discovery of ethylammonium nitrate by Paul Walden in 1914, marking the first identification
of a room-temperature ionic liquid (RTIL). Walden's work laid the foundation for future studies
on ILs, although significant interest did not emerge until the late 20th century. The term "ionic
liquid" gained popularity in the 1990s as researchers began to recognize their potential as
solvents and electrolytes in various applications, particularly in electrochemistry and catalysis
(Lei et al., 2017; Wikipedia, 2024). Corrosion which is a major issue in the oil and gas industry,
particularly when dealing with produced water. Recent research has focused on the use of ionic
liquids (ILs) as green corrosion inhibitors due to their unique properties, such as low volatility,
high thermal stability, and non-toxicity. Ionic liquids are composed of organic cations and anions
that can effectively adsorb onto metal surfaces, forming a protective layer that mitigates
corrosion (Zunita & Kevin, 2022). Ionic liquids inhibit corrosion primarily through adsorption on
metal surfaces, forming a protective barrier that isolates the metal from corrosive environments.
The adsorption process is influenced by the nature of the ionic liquid's cation and anion, which
can significantly affect the inhibition efficiency. For instance, studies have shown that
imidazolium-based ionic liquids can create a three-dimensional hydrogen bond network that
enhances their protective capabilities against corrosion in acidic environments (Yousefi, A et al.,
2015).

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In the last decade of the study, ionic liquids have received much attention as eco-friendly
inhibitors to control corrosion of various metal substrates subjected to aggressive media,
including acidic solutions (Kamali et al., 2019). One of the most significant advantages of ionic
liquids is their negligible vapor pressure, which means they do not readily evaporate into the
atmosphere. This property significantly reduces the emission of volatile organic compounds
(VOCs), which are harmful pollutants contributing to air quality issues and environmental
degradation. By minimizing VOC emissions, ILs help create cleaner production processes in
industries such as pharmaceuticals and chemical manufacturing (European Environment Agency,
2024). Ionic liquids are often referred to as "designer solvents" because their physicochemical
properties can be tailored by modifying the cation and anion components. This tunability allows
ILs to dissolve a wide range of organic and inorganic compounds, making them versatile for
various applications, including biomass processing, catalysis, and energy storage. Their ability to
facilitate sustainable chemical reactions further enhances their role in green chemistry initiatives
(Verma et al., 2017). Ionic liquids represent a significant advancement in solvent and other area
such as catalyst, lubricant etc with their unique properties and wide-ranging applications. Their
development has evolved from early discoveries to a robust field of research that continues to
expand as new ionic liquid formulations are explored.

1.2 Problem Statement

Ionic liquids (ILs) are a class of salts that remain liquid at or near room temperature,
characterized by their unique physicochemical properties such as negligible vapor pressure, high
thermal stability, and tunable solvation characteristics. These properties make ionic liquids
promising candidates for a variety of industrial applications, ranging from chemical processing
to energy storage systems. Despite their potential, the commercial adoption of ionic liquids has
been limited, primarily due to challenges related to their cost and the complexity of their
synthesis.

The problem statement focuses on the need to explore and address the barriers hindering the
widespread industrial application of ionic liquids. Specifically, while research has demonstrated
their effectiveness in applications such as catalysis, electrochemistry, and solvent extraction, the
transition from laboratory-scale experimentation to large-scale industrial processes remains a
significant hurdle. Factors contributing to this issue include the high production costs of certain

2
ionic liquids compared to traditional solvents, the variability in performance based on the
specific ionic composition, and a lack of comprehensive understanding regarding their long-term
stability and environmental impact. To effectively leverage the advantages of ionic liquids in
industries, it is crucial to conduct further research aimed at optimizing their properties for
specific applications, developing cost-effective synthesis methods, and establishing guidelines
for their safe handling and disposal. This investigation will not only enhance the commercial
viability of ionic liquids but also contribute to more sustainable industrial practices by reducing
reliance on volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and improving process efficiencies. Thus,
addressing these challenges is essential for unlocking the full potential of ionic liquids in modern
industrial applications.

1.3 Objectives of study

The goal is to provide a comprehensive analysis of how ionic liquids (ILs) can facilitate cleaner
production methods in the chemical industry . This objective seeks to investigate the performance
characteristics of ionic liquids (ILs) in these applications, emphasizing their high thermal
stability, low volatility, and superior ionic conductivity.

1.4 Significance of The Study

The study of ionic liquids (ILs) is significant due to their unique properties and wide-ranging
applications in various industrial sectors. As salts that remain liquid at relatively low
temperatures, ILs exhibit characteristics such as negligible vapor pressure, high thermal stability,
and tunable solubility, making them ideal candidates for many applications.One of the primary
advantages of ionic liquids is their environmental friendliness. Unlike traditional organic
solvents, which often release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the atmosphere, ILs have
negligible vapor pressure, reducing air pollution and associated health risks. This property aligns
with the principles of green chemistry, promoting safer and more sustainable industrial practices.
In the realm of catalysis, ionic liquids serve as effective solvents that can enhance reaction rates
and selectivity. Their ability to dissolve both ionic and non-ionic compounds allows for diverse
chemical reactions, including organic synthesis and biomass processing. Additionally, ILs can be
designed to act as catalysts themselves or to stabilize reactive intermediates, further broadening
their utility in chemical transformations. Ionic liquids also play a crucial role in energy

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applications. They are utilized as electrolytes in batteries, super capacitors, and fuel cells due to
their high ionic conductivity and wide electrochemical windows. This makes them suitable for
next-generation energy storage technologies that require efficient charge transport and stability
under varying conditions. Furthermore, the study of ionic liquids contributes to advancements
in corrosion inhibition. Research has shown that certain ILs can form protective films on metal
surfaces, significantly reducing corrosion rates in harsh environments. This application is
particularly valuable in industries such as oil and gas, where equipment longevity is critical.In
summary, the significance of studying ionic liquids lies in their potential to revolutionize various
industrial processes by providing eco-friendly alternatives to traditional solvents, enhancing
catalytic efficiency, improving energy storage solutions, and offering effective corrosion
protection. Continued research into their properties and applications will undoubtedly lead to
innovative solutions that address current environmental and technological challenges.

1.5 Scope of The Study

The scope of this study encompasses a comprehensive examination of the properties,

applications, and implications of ionic liquids (ILs) in various industrial sectors. This study will
investigate the fundamental properties of ionic liquids, including their thermal stability,
viscosity, conductivity, solubility, and vapor pressure. Understanding these properties is crucial
for tailoring ILs for specific applications and optimizing their performance in industrial
processes. The research will assess the environmental benefits of using ionic liquids as
alternatives to traditional solvents. This includes evaluating their role in reducing volatile organic
compound (VOC) emissions, minimizing waste generation, and promoting safer chemical
processes. The study will also explore the lifecycle analysis of ILs to determine their overall
sustainability compared to conventional solvents.The study will also focus on the use of ionic
liquids as solvents and catalysts in various chemical reactions. This includes investigating their
effectiveness in enhancing reaction rates, selectivity, and product yields in organic synthesis and
biomass conversion processes. The potential for ILs to stabilize reactive intermediates and
facilitate complex reactions will also be examined.

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 CHAPTER TWO

2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW

Ionic liquids (ILs) are salts that are in a liquid state at room temperature, typically defined as
having a melting point below 100 °C. They are composed entirely of ions, which gives them
unique properties compared to traditional solvents (Lei et al., 2017). The biggest benefit of
creating ionic liquids with certain properties is that their qualities may be altered based on the
requirements by carefully choosing the cations and anions. Ionic liquids are sometimes referred
to as "designer chemicals" because of this, since they can be used as solvents or catalysts for a
variety of chemical processes (Verma et al., 2017). In addition to their use , ionic liquids have
shown excellent performance in clean energy generation operations, particularly as electrolytes
for the production of hydrogen by water electrolysis. Studies have been conducted to investigate
the potential of using inert lithium batteries as the electrolyte because of their thermal stability,
low volatility, and fire-retardant properties (Jesus & Maciel, 2022).

2.1 Structure of Ionic Liquids

Ionic liquids are made up of charged species that might differ greatly based on the ratio of anions
to cations that is employed. Imidazolium, pyridinium, and ammonium derivatives are the most
prevalent cations, whilst anions can be anything from basic halides to complex organic anions
like bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide or trifluoromethanesulfonate (Silva et al., 2020; Gehrke,
et al., 2018). Molecular dynamics simulations have demonstrated that unique structural features
including hydrogen-bonded networks and ion pairs can result from the arrangement of ions in
ILs (Gehrke et al., 2018). Research has demonstrated that ionic liquids can exhibit nanoscale
structures characterized by organized domains. These structures arise from the interplay between
polar and nonpolar regions within the ionic liquid, which can lead to phase separation or self-
assembly phenomena (Hayes et al., 2015; Liu et al., 2019). The arrangement of cations and
anions can form bilayer structures or layered arrangements, depending on the specific ionic
components involved (Hayes et al., 2015).

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2.1.2 Properties of Ionic Liquids

1. Thermal stability: Ionic liquids exhibit high thermal stability, often remaining stable at
elevated temperatures. This property makes them suitable for high-temperature
applications, such as in batteries and as heat transfer fluids (Greer et al., 2020; Silva et
al., 2020)
2. Low vapour pressure: ILs have extremely low vapor pressures compared to traditional
organic solvents. This characteristic minimizes evaporation losses and enhances their
utility in processes where solvent retention is critical(Greer et al., 2020; Wikipedia, 2024)
3. Electrochemical Properties: Ionic liquids possess large electrochemical windows,
which allow them to function effectively as electrolytes in electrochemical cells. They
also exhibit high ionic conductivity, making them ideal candidates for use in batteries and
supercapacitors (Teng et al., 2023; Silva et al., 2020).
4. Solvent Properties: Ionic liquids are excellent solvents for a variety of substances,
including polar and nonpolar compounds. They can dissolve a wide range of organic and
inorganic materials, making them useful in extraction processes and chemical synthesis
(Wikipedia,2024; Egorova et al., 2017).
5. Bio-compatibility and Biological activity: Recent studies have highlighted the potential
biocompatibility of certain ionic liquids, leading to applications in pharmaceuticals and
biomedicine. Their antimicrobial properties make them candidates for drug delivery
systems and other medical applications (Egorova et al., 2017; Teng et al., 2023).

2.1.3 Synthesis of Ionic Liquids

The synthesis of ionic liquids (ILs) involves various methodologies like anion metathesis, Proton
transfer, quaternization, Microwave and ultra-sound Irradiation etc. One of the most popular
techniques for creating ionic liquids is anion metathesis. The anion of an already-existing ionic
liquid is exchanged with another anion during this procedure. This is usually accomplished by
treating a halide salt with potassium, sodium, or silver salts of various anions, like SO₄² ⁻, BF₄ ⁻,
or NO₂⁻. This process has the benefit of creating stable ionic liquids that are resistant to air
exposure and moisture (Ratti, 2014). However, the interaction between transition metals and
amino acids/proteins during metathesis can result in complex formation when ILs are produced

6
using bioactive chemicals. In this case we use the quaternization techniques which involves an
amine is reacting with an alkyl halide to produce a quaternary ammonium salt (Javvad et al.,
2021).

Also, an acid and a base can engage in a straightforward proton transfer reaction to create
prototic ionic liquids. Without the need for intricate reaction sequences, this approach enables
the simple production of ILs. For instance, combining a strong acid with the right base can nearly
instantly produce a protic ionic liquid (Wikipedia, 2024). More recently, non-traditional methods
including ultrasound and microwave irradiation have been employed to improve ionic liquid
production. Through the provision of energy that speeds up the reaction processes, these
techniques dramatically lower reaction times and increase yields (Ratti, 2014).

2.1.4 Types Of Ionic Liquids

ILs are normally divided into two classes: aprotic ionic liquids (APILs) and protic ionic liquids
(PIL)

1. Aprotic Ionic Liquid: Aprotic ionic liquids are composed of cations and anions but do
not contain acidic protons that can participate in hydrogen bonding. Most ionic liquids
contain organic molecule ions as their cations, which is perhaps why the number of
papers in this field has increased dramatically since the mid-1990s. Resonant stabilized
alkyl pyridinium and dialklyimidazolium cations, which date back to Hurley and Weir7
in the middle of the 20th century, are two examples. They combined different metal
chlorides and nitrates with N-substituted alkyl and aryl pyridinium halides to create low-
liquids, which they then used to conduct electrochemical extractions (although they are
most recognized for their work on aluminum deposition, for which they received the first
patents) (Austen Angell et al., 2012).
2. Protic Ionic Liquids: Protic ionic liquids are formed through the reaction of Brønsted
acids with Brønsted bases, resulting in the formation of cations that contain acidic
protons (Silva et al., 2020). The cation and anion act as proton-donor and - acceptor,
respectively, adding another source of ion-ion interactions within the ILs structure
besides the regular Coulombic and dispersion forces. In general, this leads to stronger
binding forces between anions and cations compared to AILs. These forces are

7
 influencing the transport and the thermal properties, as well as electrochemical stabilities,
of PILs (Stettner, T & Balducci A, 2021).

2.1.5 Ionic Liquids In Green Chemistry

2.1.5.1 Ionic Liquids As Solvents

Due to the tuneable solvent properties of ILs, they are well suited for applications related to the
selective dissolution of materials that are insoluble in water or other common laboratory
solvents. The idea that ILs could replace conventional solvents created a lot of interest in the
academic and industrial communities. This substitution is enforced by the EU REACH
(Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) regulations that are
designed to improve safety and protect the environment, and their restricted substances list,
which phases out hazardous chemicals and provides further opportunities for safer, IL-based
processes (Greer et al., 2020). Recently, ionic liquids (ILs) have been explored as solvents in
nucleic acid applications. Careful engineering of the IL structure has given rise to innovative
DNA extraction systems, ion conductive DNA films, and DNA preservation media. Wang and
co-workers described a LLE method in which DNA was extracted from aqueous solution using
the 1-butyl-3- methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([BMIM+ ][PF6 − ]) IL. They suggested
that the extraction was driven by electrostatic interactions between the IL cation and the
negatively charged phosphate backbone of DNA (Clark et al., 2015)

2.1.5.1 Ionic Liquids As Catalyst

Nowadays, much interest is drawn on the microstructure and function of ILs when they are
involved in catalysis. ILs may interact directly with reactants, products and/or catalysts (Chen et
al., 2014). Catalytic activity in ILs has been performed by many different types of enzymes, and
it appears that the mechanisms the enzymes in ILs follow is the similar one as in organic
solvents. As a result of the adaptability of the ILs properties, enzymes exhibit enhanced activity,
For instance, ILs were able to substitute n-heptane in the enzymatic reaction with Candida
antarctica lipase B. Lipases are attractive catalysts for biodiesel production due to their mild
catalysis properties. In a comparison to n-heptane, ionic liquid [C 7MIM][NTf2] stabilised the
lipase enzyme due to the hydrophobic property of the IL the anion low nucleophilicity . It was

8
also observed that enzymes such as proteases and lipases are thermally stable in ILs (Elgharbawy
et al., 2018).

2.1.5.1 Ionic Liquid As Lubricants

Lubricants have been an important area of development for ILs due to their high thermal
stability, conductivity, low volatility and low flammability. These properties are extremely
important for high friction areas where there is the potential for heat to be generated, and the
highly tuneable nature of ILs allows for tailoring of these properties, as well as viscosity, to
specific applications (Greer et al., 2020) . Ammonium-based ILs have also been investigated as
lubricant additives, as listed in Table 3. Similarly, longer alkyls improve the oil-solubility for
ammonium cations. According to Zhou, Y., & Qu, J. (2017), Fan et al. synthesized a range of ILs
of [ammonium] and determined their solubility in a Polyalphaolefin (PAO) base oil. had
solubility ≥ 1%.59 Additionally, it was found that protic ammonium cations usually possess
better oil solubility than the aprotic versions (Zhou & Qu, 2017).

2.1.6 Ionic Liquids in Material Science

2.1.6.1 Ionic Liquid As Synthesis For Nano materials

Over the past few decades, nanoscience has experienced exponential growth in its research
activities, since nanoscale materials can exhibit physical and chemical properties that are
different from those of their bulk counterparts (Duan et al., 2014). The physical and chemical
characteristics of ionic liquids influence the size and size distribution of nanoparticles produced
in them. For instance, ionic liquids with longer side chains were used to prepare synthesized
nickel and ZnO nanoparticles with smaller diameters and narrower distributions. This was done
because the long side chain changed the physicochemical properties of the ionic liquid and the
interactions between it and the nanoparticles, which in turn affected the stability of the
nanoparticles in the ionic liquids. Larger size or different morphologies of produced
nanoparticles can be caused by agglomeration of unstable prime nanoparticles, which may result
from smaller ionic liquid anions exhibiting stronger cation–anion Coulomb interaction (He &
Alexandridis, 2015)

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2.1.6.2 Ionic Liquid Used In Membrane Technology
Air Products (now Versum Materials, Inc.) reported in 2005 that they had developed a new
method for storing and transporting toxic gases, e.g., PH3, BF3 and AsH3, which are widely
used in the electronics industry to dope silicon. To reduce the risk of toxic gases being stored
under high pressure, these gases are conventionally stored in a cylinder at sub-atmospheric
pressures, physically absorbed to a solid absorbent such as activated carbon or zeolites, and
withdrawn under vacuum. Alternatively, it was found that ILs could be tuned to match the
reactivity of the different gases through modification of the ion pair, with added benefits over
porous solids of an enhanced heat transfer rate and the ability to be pumped (Greer et al., 2020)

Various solvents in the chemical absorption of CO 2 capture processes have been introduced.
Amines due to their high reactivity with CO2 molecules, high thermal stability, and high
absorption capacity are widely used as the absorbent for carbon capture operations. Among all
amine groups, monoethanolamine (MEA), tertiary amines such as methyl diethanolamine
(MDEA), and sterically hindered amines such as 2-amino-2-methl-1-propanol (AMP) are the
common absorbents for CO2 capture systems (Aghaie et al., 2018)

2.1.7 Ionic Liquids In Energy Storage And Conversion

2.1.7.1 Ionic Liquids as Electrolytes In Batteries

ILs have also found uses in batteries due to improvements in safety (non-flammable) and
increased high-voltage stability. NOHMs Technologies commercialised ILs as an electrolyte
(NanoLyte) in Li-ion batteries, yielding 400% more cycle-lifetime and NantEnergy (formerly
Fluidic Energies) utilised ILs in Zn-air batteries (Greer et al., 2020). Another electrochemical
application exploiting ILs is dye sensitised solar cells (DSSC). Dye-sensitized solar cells
(DSSCs), a low-cost substitute for crystalline silicon cells, are another electrochemical
application that makes use of ILs. They consist of a semiconducting IL-based electrolyte and a
photo-sensitized anode that has been dyed to increase the cell's sensitivity to visible light
(MacFarlane et al., 2014).

2.1.7.2 Ionic Liquids in Supercapacitors

Electrochemical capacitors (ECs) or supercapacitors are electrochemical energy storage devices
that deliver high energy for short times – up to a few seconds. ILs are good candidates for

10
supercapacitors, particularly those working based on the double layer charging, for two reasons:
the primary task of the electrolyte is to provide charge species at the electrode/electrolyte
interface instead of diffusion of specific electroactive species, and wide stable potential window
of ILs guarantees high energy densities even greater than those of organic electrolytes (Eftekhari,
2017). These systems are already commercialized in numerous applications, where high power
delivery is needed for a few seconds, such as in power electronic sand in tramways, aircraft, cars
and energy harvesting. ILs have attracted much interest in the past decade for use in
supercapacitors. They were used in Electric double layer capacitor (EDLCs) as salts in solvent-
based electrolytes to produce highly conducting electrolytes, thanks to the high solubility of ionic
liquids in most of the organic solvents used in supercapacitors (MacFarlane et al., 2014).

2.1.8 Ionic Liquids as Green Corrosion Inhibitors

Ionic liquids have become a popular tool in the field of "green chemistry" because of their many
intriguing qualities, which include a lower melting point (less than 100 C), high polarity, low
toxicity, lower vapor pressure, extremely high thermal and chemical stability, and less hazardous
effects on the environment and living things (verma et al., 2017). Ionic liquids have
demonstrated great promise as corrosion inhibitors for metals in harsh settings, especially
Brönsted acid ionic liquids (BAILs). According to studies, these ILs can successfully lower the
rates of corrosion in acidic solutions—like 0.5 M HCl—by coating metal surfaces with
protective coatings. The ionic liquid adsorbs on the metal surface, suppressing anodic and
cathodic processes in the process. For instance, under some circumstances, Brönsted acid Ionic
liquids (BAILs) containing several Brönsted acid sites have shown inhibitory efficiencies more
than 80%, demonstrating their efficacy in reducing corrosion (Cao et al., 2017). Ionic liquids
have also been investigated for their biological activity, including their use as antimicrobial
agents. Certain ILs exhibit inhibitory effects against various bacteria and fungi, making them
potential candidates for applications in pharmaceuticals and agriculture. Their ability to inhibit
microbial growth while being less toxic than conventional solvents positions them as
environmentally friendly alternatives (Egorova et al., 2017).

11
 CONCLUSION

Ionic liquids (ILs) have revolutionized the field of solvent chemistry, offering a myriad of
advantages over traditional organic solvents. Their unique properties—such as negligible vapor
pressure, thermal stability, and tunable polarity—make them highly versatile for a wide range of
applications in chemical processes. From organic synthesis to polymerization and extraction, ILs
facilitate reactions that are often more efficient and selective than those conducted in
conventional solvents.

Moreover, the environmental benefits associated with ionic liquids cannot be overstated. As
"green solvents," they contribute to reducing hazardous waste and emissions, aligning with the
principles of sustainable chemistry. The ability to customize ILs by altering their ionic
components further enhances their appeal, allowing researchers and industrial chemists to tailor
solvents to meet specific needs.

As research continues to expand our understanding of ionic liquids, their potential applications
are likely to grow, paving the way for innovative solutions in various industries. The ongoing
exploration of ILs not only highlights their significance in advancing chemical processes but also
underscores the importance of developing sustainable practices in the field. Ultimately, ionic
liquids represent a promising frontier in solvent technology, poised to play a crucial role in
shaping the future of chemistry.

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 RECOMMENDATIONS

1. Tailored Selection of Ionic Components: Researchers and industrial chemists should

prioritize the careful selection of cations and anions to create ionic liquids that meet specific
solvation requirements. Given the vast number of potential combinations, utilizing databases
or predictive models can help identify suitable ionic liquid formulations that optimize
solubility and miscibility for targeted applications.
2. Investigation of Unknown Combinations: Continued research into unexplored ionic liquid
combinations is essential. As many potential ionic liquids remain uncharacterized, systematic
studies should be conducted to evaluate their properties and applications. This will enhance
the available options for specific processes, reducing reliance on trial-and-error methods.
3. Focus on Environmental Impact: Emphasizing the environmental benefits of ionic liquids,
such as their negligible vapor pressure and recyclability, can promote their adoption in
various industries. Companies should consider integrating ionic liquids into their processes to
replace traditional solvents, thereby reducing hazardous waste and enhancing sustainability.

13
 REFEFERENCES

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ionic liquids: Current status and future prospects. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews,
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Austen Angell, C., Ansari, Y., & Zhao, Z. (2012). Ionic Liquids: Past, present and future.
Faraday Discuss., 154, 9–27. Doi: 10.1039/c1fd00112d

Cao, S., Liu, D., Zhang, P., Yang, L., Yang, P., Lu, H., & Gui, J. (2017). Green Brönsted acid
ionic liquids as novel corrosion inhibitors for carbon steel in acidic medium. Scientific Reports,
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Chandrabhan Verma, Eno E. Ebenso , M.A. Quraishi (2017). Ionic liquids as green and
sustainable corrosion inhibitors for metals and alloys: An overview, Journal of Molecular
Liquids,Volume 233,Pages 403-414, ISSN 0167-7322,
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Chen, S., Zhang, S., Liu, X., Wang, J., Wang, J., Dong, K., Xu, B. (2014). Ionic liquid clusters:
structure, formation mechanism, and effect on the behavior of ionic liquids. Phys. Chem. Chem.
Phys., 16(13), 5893–5906. doi:10.1039/c3cp53116c

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