South Alabama Ionic Liquids Laboratory (SAILL)

Boronium Ionic Liquids - Impact of Structure on Chemistry, Electrochemical Stability, Ion Dynamics, and Charge Transport

PI JAMES DAVIS

This project involves the preparation and characterization of new Ionic liquids - salts in a liquid form - that are expected to have a high degree of stability towards electrical currents. As such, the new materials may find application as battery electrolytes superior in performance and safety to materials currently in use. The project is a collaborative effort with the US Naval Academy. 91短视频 will be responsible for the synthesis and routine characterization of the new materials, while the USNA will carry out all electrochemical facets of the work.

Energetics On-Demand: Stereolithography Printing of Components Incorporating Energetic Ionic Liquids

PI MATTHEW REICHERT

Work has focused on the creation of new energetic ionic liquid (EIL) monomers and plasticizers and their incorporation into SLA resins, ultimately culminating in the printing of 100% energetic polymer components. Synthesis of the base EILs used current literature methods for the nitration and amination steps, with 鈥渄etours鈥� along the synthetic path to introduce the alkenyl groups for free radical polymerization. Candidate EIL monomers, polymers, and plasticizers will be screened based on mechanical, thermal, and energetic properties. The former determined the drop hammer test for shock sensitivity and thermal degradation temperature found by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). At the same time, the latter will include heat evolution using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). In addition, ionic liquids (ILs) will be synthesized to enable the take-up of energetic simulants into the methacrylate resins. Options exercised in Years 3 and 4 will allow for the incorporation of the EILs into hybrid rocket fuel grains and hypergolic starter systems for static test firing.

Understanding the Molecular-level Interactions Between Ionic Liquids and Molecular Species to Design and Develop Novel Solvent Systems for Environmental and Energy Applications

PI KEVIN WEST

Mixtures of ILs with liquid molecular solutes have been an active study area both experimentally and computationally. The solvation environment provided by ILs is unique for several reasons, chief among them the commonly observed long-range order that creates nano-structured domains in many ILs. This long-range order affects both the properties of pure ionic compounds and the molecular-level restructuring that accommodates dissolved species. Such an environment is quite distinct from molten inorganic salts, nonpolar organic solvents, and even associating polar organics. A detailed understanding of key molecular-level interactions between ionic and molecular species in these mixtures and how these interactions affect the solvent properties will enable the rational design of ILs and their mixtures for more energy-efficient chemical reactions and separations.

Press Release

Research Highlight from the Department of Energy

Development of CO₂-Capturing Ionic Liquid Solutions for Spacecraft Air Revitalization Systems

PI JAMES DAVIS

A promising area of research is the removal of CO₂ from post-combustion flue gas streams, such as those from coal and natural gas-powered electrical generation plants. Although the goal in this application is also the removal of CO₂ from ambient/near ambient pressure gas streams, the system temperature is somewhat higher, and the partial pressure of CO₂ is much higher than for air revitalization. However, the same technology, non-volatile aqueous amines, may present a solution for both challenges. The PIs have worked with industrial partners to develop concentrated aqueous solutions of non-volatile (ionic) amines, promising viable post-combustion CO₂ capture agents. From this work, three joint process patents focused on CO₂-capture efficiency and minimizing regeneration energy requirements have been issued in addition to the composition of matter patents already owned by South Alabama. While the previous work focused on optimizing the solutions for the industrial setting at higher temperatures and higher CO₂ partial pressure, the work described below focuses on developing and evaluating these systems for closed environment air revitalization. Furthermore, as these are aqueous systems, they are inherently compatible with humid air. As hygroscopic salts, the potential exists for them to be used as part of an overall humidity control system.

Press Release

Researchers

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Advisory Board

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