Study on the process intensification for synthesis of ionic liquids using various chemical reactors

Abstract

The efficient synthesis of ILs is of paramount significance in large-scale applications across various fields, ranging from catalysts to energy storage. The advancements in innovative synthesis methods and advanced chemical reactors, typified by microwave-assisted and ultrasound-assisted techniques, have significantly elevated reaction efficiency, product purity, and the overall economics of the production process. However, challenges, including substantial equipment costs, intricate operation procedures, and scale-up limitations, still impede the large-scale implementation of ILs. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to explore alternative methods or reactors that can better meet the distinctive requirements of various types of IL synthesis for further advancement in the field. The Taylor-Couette flow reactor (TCFR) and high-shear mixer (HSM) stand out as highly effective reactors for IL synthesis, owing to their excellent mixing and mass transfer capabilities. In TCFRs and HSMs, ultra-high shear stress can be generated in a controllable manner, which can substantially enhance reaction rates and improve mass transfer efficiency, making them well-suited for liquid-liquid, gas-liquid, and multiphase systems. Moreover, the application of CFD has provided valuable insights for optimizing reactor performance. By simulating the flow field, turbulence behavior, and shear effects, CFD enables more precise control over the synthesis process.

Date of Award	15 Oct 2025
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	University of Nottingham
Supervisor	Xiaogang Yang (Supervisor) & Guang Li (Supervisor)