Work

Design and operation of a cost-effective reactor for large protic ionic liquid synthesis

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Over the past 30 years, researchers have explored the potential of ionic liquids as green alternatives to conventional solvents, particularly for industrial applications like biomass delignification. Protic ionic liquids (PILs) have drawn significant attention due to their cost-effectiveness and simple synthesis. However, challenges remain in scaling up production, especially given the highly exothermic and corrosive nature of the neutralization reactions involved in PIL synthesis. A key focus is the careful selection of materials to optimize reactor performance and safety. This study presents the design and operation of a flexible semi-batch reactor, which can be converted to continuous flow. The reactor successfully produces 0.8 kg/h of 80 w/w% triethylamine hydrogen sulfate ([TEA][HSO4]). Scale-up analysis, based on a constant power per unit volume, demonstrated that a reactor scaled by a factor of 10 could achieve a production capacity of 105 kg/h of 80 w/w% [TEA][HSO4]. To date, approximately 800 kg of [DMBA][HSO4] has been produced.

Source: Chemical Engineering and Processing - Process Intensification

DOI: 10.1016/j.cep.2025.110312

Authors: Amir H.M. Dezashibi, Jason P. Hallett, Paul S. Fennell

Institution: Imperial College London

Language: English

Topic: Ionic liquids properties and applications

Subfield: Catalysis

Field: Chemical Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Affordable and clean energy, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,910