CO_2/N_2 separation using supported ionic liquid membranes with green and cost-effective [Choline][Pro]/PEG200 mixtures

The high price and toxicity of ionic liquids(ILs) have limited the design and application of supported ionic liquid membranes(SILMs) for CO_2 separation in both academic and industrial fields. In this work, [Choline][Pro]/polyethylene glycol 200(PEG200) mixtures were selected to prepare novel SILMs because of their green and costeffective characterization, and the CO_2/N_2 separation with the prepared SILMs was investigated experimentally at temperatures from 308.15 to 343.15 K. The temperature effect on the permeability, solubility and diffusivity of CO_2 was modeled with the Arrhenius equation. A competitive performance of the prepared SILMs was observed with high CO_2 permeability ranged in 343.3–1798.6 barrer and high CO_2/N_2 selectivity from 7.9 to 34.8.It was also found that the CO_2 permeability increased 3 times by decreasing the viscosity of liquids from 370 to38 m Pa·s. In addition, the inherent mechanism behind the significant permeability enhancement was revealed based on the diffusion-reaction theory, i.e. with the addition of PEG200, the overall resistance was substantially decreased and the SILMs process was switched from diffusion-control to reaction-control.

Design of quaternary ammonium type-ionic liquids as desiccants for an air-conditioning system

The liquid desiccant air-conditioning system allows reducing energy consumption compared to the conventional compressor-type air conditioners.In order to develop desiccant materials for air conditioners,we have investigated the dehumidification capability of quaternary ammonium Ionic Liquids(ILs)and the equilibrium water vapor pressure of aqueous solutions of these ammonium salts.Among the seven tested types of ILs,2-hydroxyN,N,N-trimethylethan-1-aminium dimethylphosphate([Ch][DMPO4])displayed the best dehumidification capability and the lowest equilibrium water vapor pressure.Furthermore,the 80%aqueous solution of[Ch][DMPO4]exhibited a less corrosive effect on four types of metals,i.e.,steel(hot dip zinc-aluminum alloy plated steel),copper(C1100P),aluminum(A5052),and stainless steel(SUS:SUS304).It should be noted that this[Ch][DMPO4]is not only non-toxic but also exhibits a stable nature;the aqueous solution produced no odor after storing for over 1 year under ambient conditions.