Ionic liquid applications (ILs), unique salts that remain liquid at low temperatures, have garnered significant attention due to their exceptional properties, including negligible vapor pressure, high thermal stability, and remarkable solvation capabilities. These characteristics have paved the way for a multitude of innovative applications across various industries.
Advancements in Energy Storage and Conversion
Recent developments have highlighted the potential of ILs in enhancing energy storage systems. For instance, the ionic liquid N2222 BF4 has emerged as a promising conducting salt for supercapacitors. When utilized as an electrolyte in acetonitrile solutions, it offers a broad operational window and excellent solubility, enabling energy densities up to 102 Wh/kg.
Carbon Capture and Utilization
In the realm of environmental sustainability, ILs have demonstrated efficacy in carbon capture and conversion technologies. The hydrophobic, low-viscosity ionic liquid N1123 BTA has been developed for the capture and in situ reduction of CO₂ to methanol and formate, presenting a viable pathway for greenhouse gas mitigation.
Ionic liquid Applications in Biomedical
The biomedical field has also benefited from IL innovations. Cholinium hexanoate, an environmentally benign surface-active ionic liquid, has been employed for cell lysis, biopolymer extraction, and drug delivery, underscoring its versatility in medical and biotechnological applications.
Catalysis and Fuel Cells
Ionic liquid applications ( ILs ) have made significant strides in catalysis and fuel cell technologies. The strongly Brønsted acidic protic ionic liquid MIM ABS OTf has been utilized as a membrane additive for proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells. Nafion membranes impregnated with this IL have achieved current densities up to 217 mA/cm² under anhydrous conditions at 25 °C, indicating its potential to enhance fuel cell performance.
Supercapacitors with Non-Carbon Electrodes
The development of Ionic liquid applications (ILs) such as N222 BTA has opened new avenues for supercapacitors employing non-carbon electrodes. Micro-supercapacitors utilizing this IL have demonstrated impressive capacity retention over approximately one million cycles at voltages up to 4V, highlighting their durability and efficiency.
These advancements underscore the transformative potential of ionic liquids across diverse sectors, from energy and environment to biomedicine and catalysis. As research continues, the scope of IL applications is poised to expand, driving further innovation and technological progress.
