Formulation and applications of Ionic Liquids microcapsules

Ionic liquids (ILs) are salts in the liquid state below 100 ℃ or even at room temperature. In recent years, ILs have emerged as an environmentally friendly solvent due to its notable characteristics (such as extremely low vapor pressure, high thermal stability, wide liquid range, good solvating properties) and designability (miscibility with water or organic solvents, adjustable acidity and other physical and chemical properties). However, the usage of most ILs was limited by their high viscosity and aquatic toxicity.

This project will focus on the microencapsulation of ILs, which is a proven technique to address the above disadvantages, without affecting their physical and chemical properties. The obtained microcapsules are usually composed of a polymer shell and an inner core of various ionic liquids. The polymeric shell has an important influence on the stability and applicability of the IL microcapsules.

The project will be developed on the basis of existing work on the in-situ polymerization method at the University of Birmingham. During the project, the Ph.D. student will study: (1) how the formulation process affects the microstructure of the microcapsules; and (2) how the microstructure of the microcapsules affects the cyclic (thermal, mechanical, chemical) properties for potential applications, especially for sorption and carbon capture. The experimental work will be processed within the brand-new, well-founded energy storage research lab (Birmingham Centre for Energy Storage):

https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/energy/research/centre-energy-storage/index.aspx

The candidate will also have opportunities to visit oversea collaborators (secondment) and the travel expense will be fully covered by a H2020 RISE project CO-COOL: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101007976

For informal enquires please contact Dr Yongliang Li at [Email Address Removed]. Please include a CV and transcripts in your email.

Degree Requirements:

The candidate must have a master degree in one of the following areas: chemistry/chemical engineering/polymer science/ materials science or other related area. Candidates with experiences in experimental laboratory work and a strong interest in new materials development are preferred. Furthermore, the candidate should be ready to meet new challenges and like team working. Fluent English speaking and writing are required.