1,2,3-Triazolium Ionic Liquids for CO2 Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge lies in selecting appropriate tri-substituted 1,2,3-triazolium ionic liquids for various applications due to the vast number of possible structural configurations, which limits their widespread use, particularly in gas separations, where few ionic liquids have found effective use despite their potential.

Innovation Solution

Development of a novel class of 1,2,3-triazolium-based cation species and ionic compounds with improved properties, including increased CO2 solubility and polymerization capability, utilizing a click chemistry platform for modular and regio-specific synthesis, and employing these compounds in supported ionic liquid membranes for gas separation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If tri-substituted 1,2,3-triazolium ionic liquids are used for gas separation, then gas purification effectiveness is improved, but the complexity of selecting appropriate compounds increases due to vast structural configurations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegas purification effectivenessVSAvoidcompound selection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying specific structural parameters of the 1,2,3-triazolium ionic liquid (such as substituent types at positions 1, 3, and 5, and anion selection) to optimize gas separation performance. This approach transforms the overwhelming structural space into a manageable set of parameter variations, allowing researchers to tune properties like CO2 solubility and thermal stability while maintaining a focused search strategy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent demonstrates universality by designing a platform of tri-substituted 1,2,3-triazolium ionic liquids that can serve multiple gas separation applications simultaneously. The modular structure allows the same core framework to be adapted for different gas pairs (e.g., CO2/H2, CO2/CH4) by changing substituents, making the compound class universally applicable across various industrial gas purification needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If more ionic liquids are developed for gas separation applications, then gas purification capability is improved, but the difficulty of synthesizing and characterizing numerous compounds increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegas separation application rangeVSAvoidsynthesis and characterization difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the ionic liquid structure into distinct functional modules: the 1,2,3-triazolium core, three substituent positions (R1, R3, R5), and the anion. This modular segmentation allows independent optimization of each component and simplifies synthesis planning, as each module can be prepared and characterized separately before assembly, reducing the overall complexity of developing new compounds.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs preliminary action by pre-establishing the 1,2,3-triazolium core structure and characterizing its fundamental properties before introducing various substituents. This preliminary characterization of the core framework provides a baseline for understanding structure-property relationships, thereby simplifying subsequent synthesis and characterization efforts when developing derivative compounds for specific gas separation applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

The novel 1,2,3-triazolium-based compounds demonstrate enhanced thermal stability and selectivity in gas separations, effectively purifying industrial effluents by selectively solubilizing impurities, such as carbon dioxide, with improved CO2/H2 selectivity and thermal decomposition temperatures.

Implementation Method 1

the ionic liquid is used to separate carbon dioxide from a gaseous stream... As described herein, an ionic liquid selectively solubilizes select impurities, leaving a desired gas in a gas stream

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPreferential solubility: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS8906135B1Method of purifying a gas stream using 1,2,3-triazolium ionic liquids
Publication Date: 2014.12.09 THE UNITED STATES AS REPRESENTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
  • US8906135B1 patent drawing
  • US8906135B1 patent drawing
  • US8906135B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for separating a target gas from a gaseous mixture using 1,2,3-triazolium ionic liquids is presented. Industrial effluent streams may be cleaned by removing carbon dioxide from the stream by contacting the effluent stream with a 1,2,3-triazolium ionic liquid compound.