Phys.org September 18, 2024
Researchers in the UK explored the application of porous liquids for the separation of miscible liquids, using MEG/water (MEG=monoethylene glycol) and EtOH/water as proof-of-principle. PLs ZIF-8@PDMS (PL1, PDMS=polydimethylsilicone) or ZIF-8@sesame oil (PL2) each consisting of 25 wt % of the hydrophobic microporous material ZIF-8 was dispersed in PDMS or sesame oil respectively were physically stable to sedimentation. MEG was selectively extracted through a membrane from approximately into the PL phase. The PL could also be regenerated and re-used, suggesting its potential for continuous, cyclic extraction, PL3 (silicalite-1@PDMS) was effective in selective alcohol extraction from beverages. According to the researchers the presence of empty pores, which provides unusually high gas solubilities, also makes them applicable to liquid-liquid separations… read more. Open access TECHNICAL ARTICLE
Graphical abstract. Credit: Angewandte Chemie International Edition, 10 July 2024