Design of Eutectic Solvents with Specified Extraction Properties Based on Intermolecular Interaction Energy

Abstract

A new approach to managing the extraction properties of eutectic solvents based on aliphatic alcohols is proposed. Aliphatic alcohols, when functioning as hydrogen bond donors within a eutectic solvent, significantly enhance the solvent’s efficiency in extracting metal ions. Conversely, when the alcohol acts as a hydrogen bond acceptor, its extraction properties diminish. Molecular modelling reveals that the extraction efficiency of these alcohols is directly proportional to the intermolecular interaction energy between the components of the eutectic solvent.

Keywords

• hydrophobic eutectic solvents
• solvent extraction
• aliphatic alcohols
• selectivity
• metal extraction