Learn how the ability of liquids to evaporate has paved the way for new methods in liquid-liquid extraction and what it means for our lifestyles, public health, and pollution.
Revolutionizing the Aeronautical Sector
Scientists at the University of Birmingham and Queens University Belfast have discovered a new method which will make broad general use for porous liquids (PLs), including separating bad or undesirable alcohols from contemporary water mixtures, based on it well into the future.
In this study, one of the most critical challenges that was coped with is related to monoethylene glycol (MEG) which is typically used for aeronautical de-icing process. MEG – water mixtures are also used to de-ice, but the resulting runoff poses a major risk, especially for aquatic species.
In some cases, 88% of the PL pore volume was consumed to absorb MEG while leaving the water behind using this type-3 porous liquid. The finding has the potential to change how environmental risk of this kind is managed by the aeronautical industry, offering a durable solution to a enduring issue.
Reinventing the Beverages Industry
The potential use of porous liquid separation in other industries being discovered by the research team, they have been inspired from the success rate found in the aeronautical industry.
The team then implemented a non-toxic, pH-stable PL to effectively lower the alcohol content in wine and gin –potentially not removing too much of the flavors that make these drinks so enjoyable. This would be a potential game changer for the drinks industry, as it falls in line with increasing consumer demand for low-alcohol products offering full-impact flavor while reducing the negative effects.
“Such an innovation could revolutionize the drinks manufacturing industry as it will meet current consumer expectations for low-alcohol products similar in look, smell and taste to standard alcoholic beverages but removing some of those less-wanted after-effects,” explains Assistant Professor Deborah Crawford from the University of Birmingham. We are very excited to evolve this concept and have it realized.
Conclusion
The novel application of porous liquids for liquid-liquid extraction is an important discovery that could fuel a number of industries, from aeronautics to beverages. This innovative technology offers the key to a more planet friendly way of living by offering solutions on environment issues and changes in consumer taste out there, becoming even more environmentally conscious. While porous liquids are still in the early stages of development, it is only a matter of time before researchers unlock the full capacity for transformational improvements to our approaches to challenging separation and purification problems.
