While molar volume-based models for gas solubility in ionic liquids (ILs) have been proposed, free volume within the IL can be shown to be the underlying property driving gas solubility and selecitivity. Previously published observations as to the distinct differences in solubility trends for gases such as CH4 and N2 relative to CO2 in systematically varied ILs can be attributed to positive and negative effects arising from increasing free volume with increasing alkyl chain length. Through the use of COSMOtherm as a powerful and rapid tool to calculate free volumes in 165 existing and theoretical 1-n-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium ([Cnmim]­[X]) ILs, a previously unreported, yet speculated, critical underlying relationship between gas solubility in ILs is herein described. These results build upon previous assertions that Regular Solution Theory is applicable to imidazolium-based ILs, which appeared to indicate that a global maximum had already been observed for CO2 solubility in imidazolium-based ILs. However, the findings of this computational study suggest that the perceived maximum in CO2 solubility might be exceeded through rational design of ILs. We observe that although Henry’s constants in ILs are dependent on the inverse of molar volume and free volume, the volume-normalized solubility of CH4 and N2 are proportional to free volume, while CO2 is inversely proportional to the square root of free volume. Our free volume model is compared to experimental data for CO2/CH4 and CO2/N2 selectivity, and a nearly identical plot of selectivity relative to IL molar volume can be generated from the computational method alone. The overall implication is that large, highly delocalized anions paired with imidazolium cations that have minimally sized alkyl chains may hold the key to achieving greater CO2 solubility and selectivity in ILs.

Sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ) removal is a key component of many industrial processes, especially coal-fired power generation. Controlling SO 2 emissions is vital to maintaining environmental quality, as SO 2 is a contributor to acid rain, but has value as a chemical feedstock. Although a number of novel solvents/materials including ionic liquids (ILs) have recently been proposed for alternatives to limestone scrubbing for SO 2 capture/removal from point sources, the imidazole architecture presents a convenient, inexpensive and efficient class of low volatility and low viscosity solvents to accomplish this goal. On the basis of our prior work with imidazoles for CO 2 capture, we have extended our interests toward understanding the relationship between imidazole structure and SO 2 absorption. Using a series of imidazole compounds with various substituents at the 1, 2 and/or 4(5) positions of the five-membered ring, SO 2 absorption via both chemical and physical mechanisms was observed. The chemical absorption product is a relatively stable 1:1 SO 2 −imidazole complex, while physical absorption of SO 2 is dependent on pressure and temperature. Because imidazoles are relatively small molecules, they are an efficient absorption medium for SO 2 and can form adducts wherein the mass fraction of bound SO 2 is >40 wt %. The SO 2 −imidazole complexes were also observed to produce distinct color and/or phase changes that are associated with the nature of the substituents present. The chemically bound SO 2 can be released under vacuum at moderate temperature (∼100°C) and vacuum, yielding the original neat solvent, while the physically dissolved SO 2 can be readily removed at ambient temperature under vacuum. This behavior corresponds to a much smaller enthalpy of absorption for physical dissolution (−4 to −13 kJ/mol) as determined via thermodynamic relationships compared to the binding energies of chemical complexation (−35 to −42 kJ/mol) as determined via density functional theory calculations. Increasing chemical complexation energies are correlated with increased substitution on the imidazole ring. Simulations were also employed to gain insight into the structures of the SO 2 −imidazole complexes, illustrating changes in partial charge distribution before and after complexation as well as confirming a charge transfer complex is formed based on the N−S bond length.

Previously, we investigated 1-n-alkylimidazoles as low viscosity, low vapor pressure physical solvents for CO2/CH4 separation and noted a decrease in performance as the length of the n-alkyl chain was extended. Here, we examine imidazoles featuring oligo(ethylene glycol) substituents (“PEG n -imidazoles”) as an opportunity to improve upon the separation performance of this class of molecules. In the current work, we have characterized the density and the viscosity of PEG n -imidazoles over the temperature range 20–80 °C. PEG n -imidazoles are slightly more viscous than 1-n-alkylimidazoles but still fall below 20 cP. Ideal gas solubilities of CO2 and CH4 were measured in PEG n -imidazoles at gas partial pressures of ∼5 bar and temperatures of 25–70 °C. Solubilities of CO2 and CH4 were both found to decrease with increasing temperature, with a stronger dependence for CO2. However, better CO2/CH4 selectivity was achieved in PEG n -imidazoles at lower operating temperatures than was observed for 1-n-alkylimidazoles. Physical properties and gas separation performances were correlated with fractional free volume calculated via COSMOtherm, as well as solubility parameters. The results show trends of decreased FFV when polar ether groups comprise the substituent, and that CO2 solubility and solubility selectivity for CO2/CH4 are improved compared to their nonpolar, hydrocarbon-based analogues.

No abstract

No abstract