Application of deep eutectic solvents for the separation of aliphatics and aromatics

Separation of aromatics from aliphatics is challenging because of the close range of their boiling points and the formation of several combinations of azeotropes. Until now, no feasible separation process is available for aromatic concentrations below 20 wt%. In this work, we have investigated the possibility of using selected Deep Eutectic Solvents (DESs) for the liquid-liquid extraction of aromatics. DESs have emerged as green solvents that may offer several industrial alternatives. The DESs used in this work were synthesized from ammonium salt with ethylene glycol, lactic acid and sulfolane as Hydrogen Bond Donor (HBD). Equilibrium data for the ternary system consisting of ethylbenzene and n-octane with all DESs were measured at 25°C and atmospheric pressure. The results showed comparable distribution ratio and selectivity with commercial solvents. The absence of the HBD in the hydrocarbon layer, means the reduction of the number of separation stages. In addition, the Non-Random Two Liquid (NRTL) model was successfully used to correlate the experimental tie-lines and to calculate the phase compositions of the ternary systems.