Ionic Liquids for complex separations involving hydrocarbon streams

The main objective of this study is to develop a new metal extraction method that avoids or improves on the issues faced by existing methods, and one that is capable of allowing the recovery of the extracted metals into a saleable form. The method being investigated is based on the utilisation of ionic liquids as extraction solvents, with preference on the use of the cheaper protic ionic liquids. This method must demonstrate effectiveness and economic viability to stand the chance of having a real-world practical application. Ionic liquids (ILs) are salts that are typically liquid under, or close to, standard temperature and pressure. ILs display the typical properties of ionic compounds with the key difference of being a liquid. These useful, and often tuneable, properties include low vapour pressure, wide liquid region, high thermal stability and low combustibility, which are desirable solvent properties for the purposes of this study. These properties can be adjusted by alterations to the anion or cation component of the IL.