Electrochemical Ionic Liquid Synthesis Using Halide Salts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrochemical methods for producing ionic liquids face safety issues due to the use of perchlorate salts, which are explosive and toxicologically hazardous, and lack versatility in anion exchange and industrial feasibility.
Innovation Solution
An electrochemical method using a reaction mixture with a solvent, a supporting electrolyte that functions as both an anion source and halide salt, such as chloride, to produce aprotic ionic liquids, minimizing the risk of halide anion oxidation and allowing for easy conversion of anions, thereby avoiding perchlorate-related hazards and enhancing selectivity and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If perchlorate salts are used as supporting electrolyte and anion source in electrochemical synthesis, then ionic liquids can be produced, but safety risks increase due to explosive and toxicological hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameter of the supporting electrolyte from perchlorate salts to halide salts (chloride, bromide, or iodide). This parameter change eliminates the explosive and toxicological hazards associated with perchlorates while maintaining the electrochemical functionality needed for ionic liquid synthesis. The halide salts provide equivalent electrochemical performance without the safety risks.
2Productivity
If perchlorate salts are used as anion source, then electrochemical synthesis can proceed, but anion exchange versatility is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs halide salts that serve multiple functions: they act as supporting electrolytes for electrochemical conductivity, as anion sources for ionic liquid formation, and as exchangeable anions for producing different ionic liquid variants. This multi-functionality enables both efficient synthesis and subsequent anion exchange to create diverse ionic liquids with tailored properties.
3Productivity
If conventional heating methods are used for ionic liquid synthesis, then reaction can proceed, but energy efficiency decreases and heat control becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces thermal heating (mechanical energy input) with electrochemical synthesis using halide salts as supporting electrolyte. This substitution eliminates the need for conventional heating equipment and associated heat control difficulties, while providing direct electrical energy conversion to chemical products with higher energy efficiency and better process control.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method safely produces halide-based ionic liquids with reduced oxidation risks, enabling efficient and selective synthesis while avoiding the formation of explosive compounds and allowing for anion exchange, thus offering a more environmentally friendly and industrially viable process.
Implementation Method 1
an electrochemical oxidation of a reactant
Implementation Method 2
electrochemical production of an aprotic ionic liquid
Implementation Method 3
a supporting electrolyte that functions as both an anion source and halide salt
Data Source
Figure 1a)~1b)
Figure S1
Figure 2
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for the electrochemical production of an aprotic ionic liquid of a cation and a halide based anion X- wherein a reaction mixture containing a solvent, a supporting electrolyte, an anion source and a reactant which responds to formula R'm-Y1-(CR)n-Y2-R"p (1) wherein - Y1 and Y2 may be the same or different and are selected from the group of N, P and S - m and p may be the same or different and may be 2 or 3, - all R' may be the same or different, all R" may be the same or different, R' may be the same as or different from R" and may, independently of each other be H, a straight chain or a branched saturated alkyl group, a cyclic alkyl group or an aromatic hydrocarbon moiety - At least one R next to Y1 is CH2 - And n is at least 1, preferably at least 2, more preferably maximum 10, most preferably n is 1, 2 or 3, wherein Y is N, P or S is subjected to an anodic electrochemical potential to cause oxidative electrolysis of the reactant, wherein the supporting electrolyte simultaneously functions as anion source and comprises a salt of the halide ion X-, selected from the group of fluoride, chloride, bromide or iodide.