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Mesostructuring in Liquid-Liquid Extraction Organic Phases Originating from Critical Points
Michael J Servis1, G B Stephenson2
1Chemical Sciences and Engineering Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, Illinois 60439, United States.
The Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters
|June 17, 2021
Summary
Organic phase structure influences liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) energetics. Mesostructuring in LLE systems arises from extractant concentration fluctuations near the critical point, differing from micellization theories.
Area of Science:
- Physical Chemistry
- Chemical Engineering
- Materials Science
Background:
- Organic phase structure is crucial for liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) system performance.
- Understanding phase behavior and energetics is key to optimizing LLE processes.
- Existing models often attribute organic phase heterogeneities to micellization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mesostructuring mechanism in binary extractant/solvent mixtures for LLE.
- To explore the relationship between extractant concentration fluctuations and phase behavior.
- To identify alternative explanations for organic phase heterogeneities in LLE.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of binary extractant/solvent mixtures relevant to LLE.
- Characterization of organic phase mesostructuring.
- Investigation of compositional isotherms and their relation to the Widom line.
Main Results:
- Organic phase mesostructuring was observed to be consistent with extractant concentration fluctuations.
- These fluctuations occur as the compositional isotherm traverses the Widom line above the liquid-liquid critical point.
- A novel mechanism for LLE organic phase heterogeneities is proposed, distinct from micellization.
Conclusions:
- Extractant concentration fluctuations, not solely micellization, drive mesostructuring in LLE organic phases.
- This finding offers a new perspective on the fundamental mechanisms governing LLE.
- The results have implications for designing and optimizing LLE systems.
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