Thermodynamic and transport characteristics of gases and organic solutes in ionic liquids

I&EC 13

Ruth E. Baltus and Ying Hou. Department of Chemical Engineering, Clarkson University, Box 5705, Potsdam, NY 13699-5705
We have begun a fundamental investigation of the transport characteristics of gases and organic solutes in room temperature ionic liquids. Our goal is to combine information collected from a number of different experimental measurements in order to develop a fundamental understanding of the interactions governing transport in ionic liquids.

The solubility and diffusivity of target solutes in a collection of ionic liquids have been determined by measuring the decrease in pressure that results following the introduction of solute gas into a closed vessel containing a thin ionic liquid film. The viscosity of ionic liquids with different levels of dissolved gas has also been measured. Measurements have been performed at temperatures ranging from 10oC to 50oC at low pressures (1-2 atm).

Results have been examined in terms of relationship between diffusivity and viscosity as well as between the physical properties and the structures of the ionic liquid and the solute gas.