A novel hybrid process design for efficient recovery of hydrophilic ionic liquids from dilute aqueous solutions

Abstract Ionic liquids (ILs) have received much attention in both academia and industries due to their superior performance many applications. Efficient recovery/recycling of ILs from dilute aqueous solutions is essential for the acceptance implementation IL‐based technologies by industry. In this work, a practical cost‐effective hybrid process design method that combines two‐phase extraction, membrane separation, distillation operating at highest efficiencies proposed recovery hydrophilic solutions. The application illustrated through case studies recovering two ILs, n‐butylpyridinium trifluoromethanesulfonate ([C 4 Py][TfO]) (CAS number: 390423‐43‐5) 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium chloride mIm][Cl]) 79917‐90‐1), For 10 wt.% [C Py][TfO] solution, using (NH ) 2 SO as salting‐out agent could reduce total annual cost (TAC) energy consumption 57% 91%, respectively, compared with pure processes. mIm][Cl] reduction TAC savings 3 reach 49% 87%, process. Furthermore, uncertainty analysis Monte Carlo simulations show more robust uncertainties prices other material (e.g., equipment solvent) costs.