Projects
Ionic Liquid Technology for the Separation of Rare Earths KU Leuven
Ionic liquids possess some interesting properties for solvent extraction experiments such as a negligible volatility, a low flammability and high structure tuneability. Moreover, their ionic structure and metal complex solvation power is totally different from apolar aliphatic or aromatic solvents. Even though ionic liquids are considered as safer and more environmentally friendly alternatives for traditional organic diluents, they have one ...
Separation of rare earths by ionic liquid technology KU Leuven
The first part of this PhD thesis shows how ionic liquids can be employed as a green alternative to replace the conventional organic phase in solvent extraction processes of rare-earth elements. In a first approach, the selective leaching of rare earths from NdFeB magnets and their solvent extraction from a nitrate media is presented. More specifically, neodymium and dysprosium were separated from cobalt by extracting them to the ionic liquid ...
Proton-conducting ionic liquid crystals KU Leuven
The past two decades have witnessed ionic liquid crystals emerging as a new kind of task-specific soft matter. It has found a wide variety of applications, including host frames for guest bonding, separation membranes, ion-/proton-conducting membranes, reaction media and optoelectronic materials. These extensive applications can be attributed to the synergistic properties of both ionic liquids and liquid crystals, such as macroscopic ...
Supported ionic liquid phases for extraction and separation of medical radiolanthanides - Towards purification of medical samarium-153 KU Leuven
Radiolanthanides are gaining more importance in nuclear medicine because of their favorable decay characteristics. The emission of beta particles with energies suitable to destroy malicous tumor cells is very useful in cancer therapy, whereas the emission of gamma photons can be used for diagnostic purposes. Some radiolantanides are even able to serve both purposes concurrently (theranostics) making it possible to follow the effectiveness of ...
Structural and functional characteristics of the ionic liquid – graphene interface KU Leuven
Electrochemical energy systems are key for developing sustainable and reliable energy supply to meet the future energy demands. Volatility and flammable nature of conventional electrolytes, however, limit their safe usage in energy applications. Ionic liquids (ILs), a new class of electrolytes show remarkable chemical and thermal stability. Graphene, a single layer of carbon atoms in a two-dimensional hexagonal lattice, showcases key ...
Ionic Liquid Redox Flow Batteries KU Leuven
NAIL Adsorption and Dynamics of Nucleic Acids on Surfaces in Ionic Liquid Environment. KU Leuven
Nucleic acid storage and stability is of primary importance as it finds uses in material science as nanomachines, biosensors and bioelectronics. The long-term stability and storage of DNA is a major challenge as hydrolytic reactions cause its denaturation when stored in an aqueous environment with conventional buffer solutions. Most of the devices employing nucleic acids require the nucleic acid molecule (generally DNA) to be adsorbed on the ...
IONIC Liquid Mediated Synthesis of Zeolite-Supported Metal Oxide Based CATalysts for Converting CO2 to Dimethyl ether KU Leuven
Making dimethyl ether (DME) from hydrogenating CO2 has attracted great interest as DME is a good propellant, coolant and clean fuel. This process can break the thermodynamic restriction that exists for methanol synthesis from CO2 and improve the conversion of main greenhouse gas.
The synthesis of well-controlled shapes of solid materials in nano-size using ionic liquid (IL) solvents has received tremendous attention by taking advantage ...
Silicon Alloying Anodes for High Energy Density Batteries comprising Lithium Rich Cathodes and Safe Ionic Liquid based Electrolytes for Enhanced High VoltagE Performance. KU Leuven
Si-DRIVE will develop the next generation of rechargeable Li-ion batteries, allowing for cost competitive mass market EVs by transformative materials and cell chemistry innovations, delivering enhanced safety with superior energy density, cycle life and fast charging capability using sustainable and recyclable components.The technology encompasses amorphous Si coated onto a conductive copper silicide network as the anode with polymer/ionic ...