The Physiochemical Characterization of Deep Melting Eutectics
Mentor 1
Mark Dietz
Location
Union Wisconsin Room
Start Date
28-4-2017 1:30 PM
End Date
28-4-2017 4:00 PM
Description
For a number of years, organic solvents have been utilized frequently. Within the last two decades, these organic solvents have been proven to have poor effects on the environment, specifically because of their volatility and toxicity. In search of an alternative chemical compound, "deep-melting eutectics" (DMEs; also known as "deep-eutectic solvents"), have been suggested. DMEs can be formed by mixing organic solids that display the capability of hydrogen-bonding. The result of these hydrogen-bonding interactions is a significant decrease in the melting point of the mixture relative to the initial organic solids. The degree of change in the melting point varies with the mixture components and their proportions. With the appropriate choice of constituents, the formation of liquids that are biodegradable or environmentally benign can be achieved. More recent studies have shown that hydrophobic eutectics can be prepared, which proposes the possibility that the deep-eutectic solvents can be applied to two-phase systems for catalysis and separations. The objective of this research is to complete a physical and chemical characterization of hydrophobic DMEs. The characterization includes melting points, water solubility, water content, density, and thermal stability. The hydrophobic deep melting eutectics are desirable in the exploration of the extraction of toxic metals and organics from water.
The Physiochemical Characterization of Deep Melting Eutectics
Union Wisconsin Room
For a number of years, organic solvents have been utilized frequently. Within the last two decades, these organic solvents have been proven to have poor effects on the environment, specifically because of their volatility and toxicity. In search of an alternative chemical compound, "deep-melting eutectics" (DMEs; also known as "deep-eutectic solvents"), have been suggested. DMEs can be formed by mixing organic solids that display the capability of hydrogen-bonding. The result of these hydrogen-bonding interactions is a significant decrease in the melting point of the mixture relative to the initial organic solids. The degree of change in the melting point varies with the mixture components and their proportions. With the appropriate choice of constituents, the formation of liquids that are biodegradable or environmentally benign can be achieved. More recent studies have shown that hydrophobic eutectics can be prepared, which proposes the possibility that the deep-eutectic solvents can be applied to two-phase systems for catalysis and separations. The objective of this research is to complete a physical and chemical characterization of hydrophobic DMEs. The characterization includes melting points, water solubility, water content, density, and thermal stability. The hydrophobic deep melting eutectics are desirable in the exploration of the extraction of toxic metals and organics from water.
