Screening of ionic liquids for extractive desulfurization

Ionic liquids were found to be highly selective for extractive removal of aromatic sulfur compounds from fuels at room temperature. The efficiency of ionic liquids for the absorption of aromatic sulfur is dependent on the size and structure of both cations and anions of the ionic liquids.To screen IL solvent for extractive desulfurization, a rigorous criterion considering both its solubility in ther fuel and extractive ability is established. we evaluate the effect of anions and cations and suggest potential ILs meeting the criterion. After screeningof cation and anion, for cation [C4mim] has lowest solubility, the highest separation selectivity and extractive capacity and for anions, [H2PO4], [Cl], [SCN],[HSO4] and [PF6] are highest selectivity and capacity for extractive desulfurization.

Keywords:

extractive desulfurization , physical properties of ionic liquids , ionic liquid screening