Multi Component Biobased Deep Eutectic Solvents Via High Throughput Studies

Project Description

The goals of this project are to perform high throughput formulation of combinations of biobased small molecules of hydrogen bond acceptors (HBAs), hydrogen bond donors (HBDs), and cosolvents to understand how composition impacts physical properties. Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) describe a relatively new class of solvent formed between HBD and HBA that has emerged over the past two decades due to favorable properties such as low volatility, 100% atom economy, and ease of preparation. One route to tune the properties of these liquids could be the addition of a cosolvent, which commonly lowers viscosity and can increase ion conductivity. Indeed, prior work revealed that addition of acetonitrile or dimethyl sulfoxide to the DES ethalan improves the physical and electrochemical properties (e.g., larger electrochemical stability window and higher conductivity with decreased viscosity). This experimental work that will be completed is complemented by ongoing computational efforts to predict eutectic point, viscosity, and conductivity.

Instruments