Using Hydrophilic Ionic Liquid, [bmim]BF4 – Ethylene Glycol System as a Novel Media for the Rapid Synthesis of Copper Nanoparticles

In this work, we present a novel method for the synthesis of copper nanoparticles. We utilize the charge compensatory effect of ionic liquid [bmim]BF4 in conjunction with ethylene glycol for providing electro-steric stabilization to copper nanoparticles prepared from copper sulphate using hydrazine hydrate as a reducing agent. The formed copper nanoparticles showed extended stability over a period of one year. Copper nanoparticles thus prepared were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction measurements (pXRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and quasi elastic light scattering (QELS) techniques. Powder X-ray diffraction (pXRD) analysis revealed relevant Bragg's reflection for crystal structure of copper. Powder X-ray diffraction plots also revealed no oxidized material of copper nanoparticles. TEM showed nearly uniform distribution of the particles in methanol and confirmed by QELS. Typical applications of copper nanoparticles include uses in conductive films, lubrication and nanofluids. Currently efforts are under way in our laboratory for using these nanoparticles as catalysts for a variety of organic reactions

Electrorefining of aluminum alloy in ionic liquids at low temperatures

The electrorefining of aluminum alloy (A360) in ionic liquids at low temperatures has been investigated. The ionic liquid electrolyte was prepared by mixing anhydrous AlCl3 and 1-Butyl-3- methylimidazolium chloride (BMIC) in appropriate proportions. The effect of the cell voltage temperature, and the composition of the electrolyte on the electrorefining process has been studied. The characterization of the deposited aluminum was performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. The influence of experimental parameters such as cell voltage and concentration of AlCl3 in the electrolyte on the deposit morphology was discussed. The composition of the aluminum deposits was analyzed using X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (XRF). Aluminum deposits with purity higher than 99.89 % were obtained. At a cell voltage of 1.0 V vs. Al/Al(III), the energy consumption was about 3 kWh/kg-Al. The main advantage of the process is low energy consumption compared to the existing industrial aluminum refining process