Solvation and extraction mechanism of aromatic solutes and asphaltene utilizing deep eutectic solvents: Experimental and atomistic simulation studies

Abstract

Deep eutectic solvents (DES) have emerged over the last two decades as a novel class of ionic liquids (ILs). In their broadest sense, DESs are usually formed by mixing a quaternary ammonium salt (typically choline chloride and derivatives) with hydrogen bond donor molecules such as amines, amides, alcohols, carboxylic acids, sugars, or polyols. The mixing of these two components upon gentle heating and in a specific molar ratio leads to a depression of the melting point, resulting in most of the cases in a liquid at room temperature, where no waste is produced, and no further purification steps are needed. Furthermore, DES's components are often biodegradable and non-toxic.