International Journal of Molecular Sciences

Editorial

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Open AccessEditorial

Ionic Liquids 2014 and Selected Papers from ILMAT 2013: Highlighting the Ever-Growing Potential of Ionic Liquids

by André Vioux and Andreas Taubert

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(12), 22815-22818; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms151222815 - 9 Dec 2014

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 5067

Abstract

Ionic Liquids (ILs) are arguably among the most intensely researched areas in today’s natural sciences, especially the chemistry, physics, and materials sciences fields. The high promise of ILs for essentially all fields of science, engineering, and technology has also led to a sprouting [...] Read more.

Ionic Liquids (ILs) are arguably among the most intensely researched areas in today’s natural sciences, especially the chemistry, physics, and materials sciences fields. The high promise of ILs for essentially all fields of science, engineering, and technology has also led to a sprouting of national and international meetings focusing on ILs and their use and application. Probably, the largest IL meeting is the Conference on Ionic Liquids (COIL) conference, now going into its 6^th edition, to take place in Korea in 2015.[...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ionic Liquids 2014 & Selected Papers from ILMAT 2013)

Research

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12285 KiB

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Separators for Li-Ion and Li-Metal Battery Including Ionic Liquid Based Electrolytes Based on the TFSI⁻ and FSI⁻ Anions

by Marija Kirchhöfer, Jan Von Zamory, Elie Paillard and Stefano Passerini

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(8), 14868-14890; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms150814868 - 22 Aug 2014

Cited by 55 | Viewed by 12876

Abstract

The characterization of separators for Li-ion or Li-metal batteries incorporating hydrophobic ionic liquid electrolytes is reported herein. Ionic liquids made of N-butyl-N-methylpyrrolidinium (PYR₁₄⁺) or N-methoxyethyl-N-methylpyrrolidinium (PYR_12O1⁺), paired with bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (TFSI⁻ [...] Read more.

The characterization of separators for Li-ion or Li-metal batteries incorporating hydrophobic ionic liquid electrolytes is reported herein. Ionic liquids made of N-butyl-N-methylpyrrolidinium (PYR₁₄⁺) or N-methoxyethyl-N-methylpyrrolidinium (PYR_12O1⁺), paired with bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (TFSI⁻) or bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (FSI⁻) anions, were tested in combination with separators having different chemistries and morphologies in terms of wetting behavior, Gurley and McMullin number, as well as Li/(Separator + Electrolyte) interfacial properties. It is shown that non-functionalized microporous polyolefin separators are poorly wetted by FSI⁻-based electrolytes (contrary to TFSI⁻-based electrolytes), while the ceramic coated separator Separion^® allows good wetting with all electrolytes. Furthermore, by comparing the lithium solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) resistance evolution at open circuit and during cycling, depending on separator morphologies and chemistries, it is possible to propose a scale for SEI forming properties in the order: PYR_12O1FSI > PYR₁₄FSI > PYR₁₄TFSI > PYR_12O1TFSI. Finally, the impact the separator morphology is evidenced by the SEI resistance evolution and by comparing Li electrodes cycled using separators with two different morphologies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ionic Liquids 2014 & Selected Papers from ILMAT 2013)

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6946 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Rapid Carbonation for Calcite from a Solid-Liquid-Gas System with an Imidazolium-Based Ionic Liquid

by Abdul-Rauf Ibrahim, Jean Bosco Vuningoma, Yan Huang, Hongtao Wang and Jun Li

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(7), 11350-11363; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms150711350 - 25 Jun 2014

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 8010

Abstract

Aqueous carbonation of Ca(OH)₂ is a complex process that produces calcite with scalenohedral calcite phases and characterized by inadequate carbonate species for effective carbonation due to the poor dissolution of CO₂ in water. Consequently, we report a solid-liquid-gas carbonation system with [...] Read more.

Aqueous carbonation of Ca(OH)₂ is a complex process that produces calcite with scalenohedral calcite phases and characterized by inadequate carbonate species for effective carbonation due to the poor dissolution of CO₂ in water. Consequently, we report a solid-liquid-gas carbonation system with an ionic liquid (IL), 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide, in view of enhancing the reaction of CO₂ with Ca(OH)₂. The use of the IL increased the solubility of CO₂ in the aqueous environment and enhanced the transport of the reactive species (Ca²⁺ and CO₃²⁻) and products. The presence of the IL also avoided the formation of the CaCO₃ protective and passivation layer and ensured high carbonation yields, as well as the production of stoichiometric rhombohedral calcite phases in a short time. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ionic Liquids 2014 & Selected Papers from ILMAT 2013)

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360 KiB

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Geminal Brønsted Acid Ionic Liquids as Catalysts for the Mannich Reaction in Water

by Leqin He, Shenjun Qin, Tao Chang, Yuzhuang Sun and Jiquan Zhao

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(5), 8656-8666; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15058656 - 15 May 2014

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 7228

Abstract

Quaternary ammonium geminal Brønsted acid ionic liquids (GBAILs) based on zwitterionic 1,2-bis[N-methyl-N-(3-sulfopropyl)-alkylammonium]ethane (where the carbon number of the alkyl chain is 4, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, or 18) and p-toluenesulfonic acid monohydrate were synthesized. The catalytic ionic [...] Read more.

Quaternary ammonium geminal Brønsted acid ionic liquids (GBAILs) based on zwitterionic 1,2-bis[N-methyl-N-(3-sulfopropyl)-alkylammonium]ethane (where the carbon number of the alkyl chain is 4, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, or 18) and p-toluenesulfonic acid monohydrate were synthesized. The catalytic ionic liquids were applied in three-component Mannich reactions with an aldehyde, ketone, and amine at 25 °C in water. The effects of the type and amount of catalyst and reaction time as well as the scope of the reaction were investigated. Results showed that GBAIL-C₁₄ has excellent catalytic activity and fair reusability. The catalytic procedure was simple, and the catalyst could be recycled seven times via a simple separation process without noticeable decreases in catalytic activity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ionic Liquids 2014 & Selected Papers from ILMAT 2013)

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1033 KiB

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Ionic Liquid Electrolytes for Li–Air Batteries: Lithium Metal Cycling

by Lorenzo Grande, Elie Paillard, Guk-Tae Kim, Simone Monaco and Stefano Passerini

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(5), 8122-8137; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15058122 - 8 May 2014

Cited by 66 | Viewed by 11991

Abstract

In this work, the electrochemical stability and lithium plating/stripping performance of N-butyl-N-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (Pyr₁₄TFSI) are reported, by investigating the behavior of Li metal electrodes in symmetrical Li/electrolyte/Li cells. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements and galvanostatic cycling at different temperatures [...] Read more.

In this work, the electrochemical stability and lithium plating/stripping performance of N-butyl-N-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (Pyr₁₄TFSI) are reported, by investigating the behavior of Li metal electrodes in symmetrical Li/electrolyte/Li cells. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements and galvanostatic cycling at different temperatures are performed to analyze the influence of temperature on the stabilization of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI), showing that TFSI-based ionic liquids (ILs) rank among the best candidates for long-lasting Li–air cells. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ionic Liquids 2014 & Selected Papers from ILMAT 2013)

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An Environmentally Benign Protocol for Aqueous Synthesis of Tetrahydrobenzo[b]Pyrans Catalyzed by Cost-Effective Ionic Liquid

by Huanan Hu, Fangli Qiu, Anguo Ying, Jianguo Yang and Haiping Meng

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 6897-6909; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15046897 - 22 Apr 2014

Cited by 78 | Viewed by 8713

Abstract

A mild, efficient, and environmentally benign protocol for the synthesis of tetrahydrobenzo[b]pyran derivatives in the presence of readily accessible, biodegradable, and choline hydroxide based ionic liquid as catalyst has been established. The key features of the reported methodology include good to [...] Read more.

A mild, efficient, and environmentally benign protocol for the synthesis of tetrahydrobenzo[b]pyran derivatives in the presence of readily accessible, biodegradable, and choline hydroxide based ionic liquid as catalyst has been established. The key features of the reported methodology include good to excellent yields of desired products, simple work-up procedure and good recyclability of catalysts, which may be a practical alternative to the existing conventional processes for the preparation of 4-H pyrans to cater to the requirements of academia as well as industry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ionic Liquids 2014 & Selected Papers from ILMAT 2013)

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Effects of a Protic Ionic Liquid on the Reaction Pathway during Non-Aqueous Sol–Gel Synthesis of Silica: A Raman Spectroscopic Investigation

by Anna Martinelli

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 6488-6503; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15046488 - 16 Apr 2014

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 8222

Abstract

The reaction pathway during the formation of silica via a two-component “non-aqueou” sol-gel synthesis is studied by in situ time-resolved Raman spectroscopy. This synthetic route is followed with and without the addition of the protic ionic liquid 1-ethylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (C2HImTFSI) in order to [...] Read more.

The reaction pathway during the formation of silica via a two-component “non-aqueou” sol-gel synthesis is studied by in situ time-resolved Raman spectroscopy. This synthetic route is followed with and without the addition of the protic ionic liquid 1-ethylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (C2HImTFSI) in order to investigate its effect on the reaction pathway. We demonstrate that Raman spectroscopy is suitable to discriminate between different silica intermediates, which are produced and consumed at different rates with respect to the point of gelation. We find that half-way to gelation monomers and shorter chains are the most abundant silica species, while the formation of silica rings strongly correlates to the sol-to-gel transition. Thus, curling up of linear chains is here proposed as a plausible mechanism for the formation of small rings. These in turn act as nucleation sites for the condensation of larger rings and thus the formation of the open and polymeric silica network. We find that the protic ionic liquid does not change the reaction pathway per se, but accelerates the cyclization process, intermediated by the faster inclusion of monomeric species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ionic Liquids 2014 & Selected Papers from ILMAT 2013)

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417 KiB

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Synthesis of Cellulose-2,3-bis(3,5-dimethylphenylcarbamate) in an Ionic Liquid and Its Chiral Separation Efficiency as Stationary Phase

by Runqiang Liu, Yijun Zhang, Lianyang Bai, Mingxian Huang, Jun Chen and Yuping Zhang

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 6161-6168; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15046161 - 11 Apr 2014

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 8383

Abstract

A chiral selector of cellulose-2,3-bis(3,5-dimethylphenylcarbamate) (CBDMPC) was synthesized by reacting 3,5-dimethylphenyl isocyanate with microcrystalline cellulose dissolved in an ionic liquid of 1-allyl-3-methyl-imidazolium chloride (AMIMCl). The obtained chiral selector was effectively characterized by infrared spectroscopy, elemental analysis and ¹H NMR. The selector was [...] Read more.

A chiral selector of cellulose-2,3-bis(3,5-dimethylphenylcarbamate) (CBDMPC) was synthesized by reacting 3,5-dimethylphenyl isocyanate with microcrystalline cellulose dissolved in an ionic liquid of 1-allyl-3-methyl-imidazolium chloride (AMIMCl). The obtained chiral selector was effectively characterized by infrared spectroscopy, elemental analysis and ¹H NMR. The selector was reacted with 3-aminopropylsilanized silica gel and the CBDMPC bonded chiral stationary phase (CSP) was obtained. Chromatographic evaluation of the prepared CSPs was conducted by high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) and baseline separation of three typical fungicides including hexaconazole, metalaxyl and myclobutanil was achieved using n-hexane/isopropanol as the mobile phase with a flow rate 1.0 mL/min. Experimental results also showed that AMIMCl could be recycled easily and reused in the preparation of CSPs as an effective reaction media. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ionic Liquids 2014 & Selected Papers from ILMAT 2013)

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1098 KiB

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Swelling and Shrinking Properties of Thermo-Responsive Polymeric Ionic Liquid Hydrogels with Embedded Linear pNIPAAM

by Simon Gallagher, Larisa Florea, Kevin J. Fraser and Dermot Diamond

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(4), 5337-5349; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15045337 - 27 Mar 2014

Cited by 32 | Viewed by 9023

Abstract

In this study, varying concentrations of linear pNIPAAM have been incorporated for the first time into a thermo-responsive polymeric ionic liquid (PIL) hydrogel, namely tributyl-hexyl phosphonium 3-sulfopropylacrylate (P-SPA), to produce semi-interpenetrating polymer networks. The thermal properties of the resulting hydrogels have been investigated [...] Read more.

In this study, varying concentrations of linear pNIPAAM have been incorporated for the first time into a thermo-responsive polymeric ionic liquid (PIL) hydrogel, namely tributyl-hexyl phosphonium 3-sulfopropylacrylate (P-SPA), to produce semi-interpenetrating polymer networks. The thermal properties of the resulting hydrogels have been investigated along with their thermo-induced shrinking and reswelling capabilities. The semi-interpenetrating networks (IPN) hydrogels were found to have improved shrinking and reswelling properties compared with their PIL counterpart. At elevated temperatures (50–80 °C), it was found that the semi-IPN with the highest concentration of hydrophobic pNIPAAM exhibited the highest shrinking percentage of ~40% compared to the conventional P-SPA, (27%). This trend was also found to occur for the reswelling measurements, with semi-IPN hydrogels producing the highest reswelling percentage of ~67%, with respect to its contracted state. This was attributed to an increase in water affinity due to the presence of hydrophilic pNIPAAM. Moreover, the presence of linear pNIPAAM in the polymer matrix leads to improved shrinking and reswelling response compared to the equivalent PIL. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ionic Liquids 2014 & Selected Papers from ILMAT 2013)

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315 KiB

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Rapid and Efficient Functionalized Ionic Liquid-Catalyzed Aldol Condensation Reactions Associated with Microwave Irradiation

by Chang Wang, Jing Liu, Wenguang Leng and Yanan Gao

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(1), 1284-1299; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms15011284 - 17 Jan 2014

Cited by 30 | Viewed by 10048

Abstract

Five quaternary ammonium ionic liquid (IL) and two tetrabutylphosphonium ILs were prepared and characterized. An environmentally benign and convenient functionalized ionic liquid catalytic system was thus explored in the aldol condensation reactions of aromatic aldehydes with acetone. The aldol reactions proceeded more efficiently [...] Read more.

Five quaternary ammonium ionic liquid (IL) and two tetrabutylphosphonium ILs were prepared and characterized. An environmentally benign and convenient functionalized ionic liquid catalytic system was thus explored in the aldol condensation reactions of aromatic aldehydes with acetone. The aldol reactions proceeded more efficiently through microwave-assisted heating than through conventional thermal heating. The yield of products obtained under microwave heating for 30 min was approximately 90%, and the ILs can be recovered and reused at least five times without apparent loss of activity. In addition, this catalytic system can be successfully extended to the Henry reactions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ionic Liquids 2014 & Selected Papers from ILMAT 2013)

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Cloud Point Extraction of Parabens Using Non-Ionic Surfactant with Cylodextrin Functionalized Ionic Liquid as a Modifier

by Md Saleh Noorashikin, Muggundha Raoov, Sharifah Mohamad and Mhd Radzi Abas

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2013, 14(12), 24531-24548; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms141224531 - 17 Dec 2013

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 7443

Abstract

A cloud point extraction (CPE) process using non-ionic surfactant (DC193C) to extract selected paraben compounds from water samples was investigated using reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). The CPE process with the presence of β-cyclodextrin (βCD) functionalized ionic liquid as a modifier [...] Read more.

A cloud point extraction (CPE) process using non-ionic surfactant (DC193C) to extract selected paraben compounds from water samples was investigated using reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). The CPE process with the presence of β-cyclodextrin (βCD) functionalized ionic liquid as a modifier (CPE-DC193C-βCD-IL) is a new extraction technique that has been applied on the optimization of parameters, i.e., pH, βCD-IL concentration and phase volume ratio. This CPE-DC193C-βCD-IL method is facilitated at 30 °C, showing great losses of water content in the surfactant-rich phase, resulting in a high pre-concentration factor and high distribution coefficient. The developed method CPE-DC193C-βCD-IL did show enhanced properties compared to the CPE method without the modifier (CPE-DC193C). The developed method of CPE-DC193C-βCD-IL gives an excellent performance on the detection of parabens from water samples with the limit of detection falling in the range of 0.013–0.038 µg mL⁻¹. Finally, the inclusion complex formation, hydrogen bonding, and π–π interaction between the βCD-IL, benzyl paraben (ArP), and DC 193C were proven using ¹H NMR and 2D NOESY spectroscopy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ionic Liquids 2014 & Selected Papers from ILMAT 2013)

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490 KiB

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Homogeneous Liquid–Liquid Extraction of Rare Earths with the Betaine—Betainium Bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide Ionic Liquid System

by Tom Vander Hoogerstraete, Bieke Onghena and Koen Binnemans

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2013, 14(11), 21353-21377; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms141121353 - 28 Oct 2013

Cited by 86 | Viewed by 12447

Abstract

Several fundamental extraction parameters such as the kinetics and loading were studied for a new type of metal solvent extraction system with ionic liquids. The binary mixture of the ionic liquid betainium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide and water shows thermomorphic behavior with an upper critical solution [...] Read more.

Several fundamental extraction parameters such as the kinetics and loading were studied for a new type of metal solvent extraction system with ionic liquids. The binary mixture of the ionic liquid betainium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide and water shows thermomorphic behavior with an upper critical solution temperature (UCST), which can be used to avoid the slower mass transfer due to the generally higher viscosity of ionic liquids. A less viscous homogeneous phase and mixing on a molecular scale are obtained when the mixture is heated up above 55 °C. The influence of the temperature, the heating and cooling times, were studied for the extraction of neodymium(III) with betaine. A plausible and equal extraction mechanism is proposed in bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, nitrate, and chloride media. After stripping of the metals from the ionic liquid phase, a higher recovery of the ionic liquid was obtained by salting-out of the ionic liquid fraction lost by dissolution in the aqueous phase. The change of the upper critical solution temperature by the addition of HCl or betaine was investigated. In addition, the viscosity was measured below and above the UCST as a function of the temperature. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ionic Liquids 2014 & Selected Papers from ILMAT 2013)

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432 KiB

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Pesticide Removal from Aqueous Solutions by Adding Salting Out Agents

by Fátima Moscoso, Francisco J. Deive, José M. S. S. Esperança and Ana Rodríguez

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2013, 14(10), 20954-20965; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms141020954 - 18 Oct 2013

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 7336

Abstract

Phase segregation in aqueous biphasic systems (ABS) composed of four hydrophilic ionic liquids (ILs): 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium methylsulfate and 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium methylsulfate (C_nC₁im C₁SO₄, n = 2 and 4), tributylmethyl phosphonium methylsulfate (P₄₄₄₁ C₁SO₄ [...] Read more.

Phase segregation in aqueous biphasic systems (ABS) composed of four hydrophilic ionic liquids (ILs): 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium methylsulfate and 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium methylsulfate (C_nC₁im C₁SO₄, n = 2 and 4), tributylmethyl phosphonium methylsulfate (P₄₄₄₁ C₁SO₄) and methylpyridinium methylsulfate (C₁Py C₁SO₄) and two high charge density potassium inorganic salts (K₂CO₃ and K₂HPO₄) were determined by the cloud point method at 298.15 K. The influence of the addition of the selected inorganic salts to aqueous mixtures of ILs was discussed in the light of the Hofmeister series and in terms of molar Gibbs free energy of hydration. The effect of the alkyl chain length of the cation on the methylsulfate-based ILs has been investigated. All the solubility data were satisfactorily correlated to several empirical equations. A pesticide (pentachlorophenol, PCP) extraction process based on the inorganic salt providing a greater salting out effect was tackled. The viability of the proposed process was analyzed in terms of partition coefficients and extraction efficiencies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ionic Liquids 2014 & Selected Papers from ILMAT 2013)

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Review

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Open AccessReview

Application of Ionic Liquids in Hydrometallurgy

by Jesik Park, Yeojin Jung, Priyandi Kusumah, Jinyoung Lee, Kyungjung Kwon and Churl Kyoung Lee

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(9), 15320-15343; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms150915320 - 29 Aug 2014

Cited by 123 | Viewed by 15750

Abstract

Ionic liquids, low temperature molten salts, have various advantages manifesting themselves as durable and environmentally friendly solvents. Their application is expanding into various fields including hydrometallurgy due to their unique properties such as non-volatility, inflammability, low toxicity, good ionic conductivity, and wide electrochemical [...] Read more.

Ionic liquids, low temperature molten salts, have various advantages manifesting themselves as durable and environmentally friendly solvents. Their application is expanding into various fields including hydrometallurgy due to their unique properties such as non-volatility, inflammability, low toxicity, good ionic conductivity, and wide electrochemical potential window. This paper reviews previous literatures and our recent results adopting ionic liquids in extraction, synthesis and processing of metals with an emphasis on the electrolysis of active/light, rare earth, and platinum group metals. Because the research and development of ionic liquids in this area are still emerging, various, more fundamental approaches are expected to popularize ionic liquids in the metal manufacturing industry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ionic Liquids 2014 & Selected Papers from ILMAT 2013)

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645 KiB

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Applications and Mechanisms of Ionic Liquids in Whole-Cell Biotransformation

by Lin-Lin Fan, Hong-Ji Li and Qi-He Chen

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(7), 12196-12216; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms150712196 - 9 Jul 2014

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 8607

Abstract

Ionic liquids (ILs), entirely composed of cations and anions, are liquid solvents at room temperature. They are interesting due to their low vapor pressure, high polarity and thermostability, and also for the possibility to fine-tune their physicochemical properties through modification of the chemical [...] Read more.

Ionic liquids (ILs), entirely composed of cations and anions, are liquid solvents at room temperature. They are interesting due to their low vapor pressure, high polarity and thermostability, and also for the possibility to fine-tune their physicochemical properties through modification of the chemical structures of their cations or anions. In recent years, ILs have been widely used in biotechnological fields involving whole-cell biotransformations of biodiesel or biomass, and organic compound synthesis with cells. Research studies in these fields have increased from the past decades and compared to the typical solvents, ILs are the most promising alternative solvents for cell biotransformations. However, there are increasing limitations and new challenges in whole-cell biotransformations with ILs. There is little understanding of the mechanisms of ILs’ interactions with cells, and much remains to be clarified. Further investigations are required to overcome the drawbacks of their applications and to broaden their application spectrum. This work mainly reviews the applications of ILs in whole-cell biotransformations, and the possible mechanisms of ILs in microbial cell biotransformation are proposed and discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ionic Liquids 2014 & Selected Papers from ILMAT 2013)

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644 KiB

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Ionic Liquids and Cellulose: Dissolution, Chemical Modification and Preparation of New Cellulosic Materials

by Mehmet Isik, Haritz Sardon and David Mecerreyes

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15(7), 11922-11940; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms150711922 - 4 Jul 2014

Cited by 359 | Viewed by 24450

Abstract

Due to its abundance and a wide range of beneficial physical and chemical properties, cellulose has become very popular in order to produce materials for various applications. This review summarizes the recent advances in the development of new cellulose materials and technologies using [...] Read more.

Due to its abundance and a wide range of beneficial physical and chemical properties, cellulose has become very popular in order to produce materials for various applications. This review summarizes the recent advances in the development of new cellulose materials and technologies using ionic liquids. Dissolution of cellulose in ionic liquids has been used to develop new processing technologies, cellulose functionalization methods and new cellulose materials including blends, composites, fibers and ion gels. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ionic Liquids 2014 & Selected Papers from ILMAT 2013)

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