Magnetic Ionic Liquids in Solutions and Emulsions

Abstract: This research thesis reports experimental work done to design a stable magneticmicroemulsion of ionic liquid in 2-ethylhexyl laurate with the help of an ionic surfactant andan alcohol co-surfactant. The ionic liquids tested were based on a 1,3-dialkylimidazoliumcation with different alkyl chain lengths and a tetrachloroferrate anion ([FeCl4]+) to ensure theemulsion is sensitive to applied magnetic fields. Tests of solubility of these ionic liquids havebeen performed in different solvents and oils. Emulsification tests have been done withdifferent dispersing medium, surfactants as well as with different components quantities tofind the best composition possible. Polarity and chain length of alkyl radicals in ionic liquidsand hydrocarbons in alcohol co-surfactants were proved to affect the emulsification process.Shorter chains, and higher polarity of [C1C2im]+ [FeCl4]- (at 1wt%) combined with [C1C12im]+[FeCl4]- surfactant (between 3 and 5wt%) and non-polar 1-Hexanol co-surfactant (at 10 wt%)were the best combination to create a stable magnetic microemulsion in 2-ethylhexyl laurate. Applications for this microemulsion could vary from improved oil recovery to transport ofmaterials in liquid medium for examples and have all in common a better and tunablecontrollability of the used liquid via magnetic fields.