Implications for heavy metal extractions from hyper saline brines with [NTf2](-) ionic liquids: performance, solubility, and cost
Author(s)
Clarke, Coby J
Bui-Le, Liem
Corbett, Paul J
Hallett, Jason P
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
The bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide anion, [NTf2]−, can be paired with organic cations to give hydrophobic ionic liquids (ILs) that form secondary phases with water. These ILs are often identified as green solvents and considered as replacements for traditional organic solvents in chemical processes, i.e., aqueous biphasic extractions. Here, we consider a range of hydrophobic [NTf2]− ILs as extraction phases with hypersaline brines for heavy metal remediation. Extraction experiments were complicated by the partial solubility of the hydrophobic ILs, and ion chromatography was used to quantify the anion and cation losses to the aqueous phase. Although IL leaching was lower in hypersaline brine than in water (i.e., salting-out), IL losses were significant at relatively low volume ratios (Vaq/VIL) for short-chain and functional ILs. IL purity was also affected by cation exchange; more organic cations were lost to the aqueous phase than [NTf2]− anions. Solvent replenishment costs were extremely high due to loss to the aqueous phase and high IL prices. New separation technologies will be required if these ILs are to be used industrially; recovery is unlikely to offset the cost with current separation methodologies.
Date Issued
2020-07-08
Date Acceptance
2019-12-31
Citation
Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Research, 2020, 59 (27), pp.12536-12544
ISSN
0888-5885
Publisher
American Chemical Society
Start Page
12536
End Page
12544
Journal / Book Title
Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Research
Volume
59
Issue
27
Copyright Statement
© 2019 American Chemical Society. This document is the Accepted Manuscript version of a Published Work that appeared in final form in Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research (IECRED), after peer review and technical editing by the publisher. To access the final edited and published work see https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.iecr.9b04722
Sponsor
Engineering & Physical Science Research Council (EPSRC)
Identifier
http://gateway.webofknowledge.com/gateway/Gateway.cgi?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=PARTNER_APP&SrcAuth=LinksAMR&KeyUT=WOS:000550637000025&DestLinkType=FullRecord&DestApp=ALL_WOS&UsrCustomerID=1ba7043ffcc86c417c072aa74d649202
Grant Number
EP/K038648/1
Subjects
Science & Technology
Technology
Engineering, Chemical
Engineering
HYDRAULIC FRACTURING FLOWBACK
MUTUAL SOLUBILITY
UNCONVENTIONAL OIL
TREATMENT OPTIONS
GAS EXTRACTION
WASTE-WATER
REMOVAL
D2EHPA
TECHNOLOGIES
WASTEWATERS
Publication Status
Published
Date Publish Online
2019-12-31