1. Ionic Liquids A versatile and extending STEM Project
David Vines, Sutton Grammar

2. What Ionic Liquids can we make ?
Methyl Imidazolium Based
Choline Chloride/Urea

3. Why study/research Ionic Liquids ?
Apply many different branches of chemistry to the same project eg. Organic, Physical, Inorganic, spectroscopy/analytical.
Extends pupils understanding – more synoptic
Gives taster of what a research or industrial career might be like
Opportunities to attend scientific meetings
Shows how chemistry may be applied to society (“Green Chemistry – Industrial synthesis)

4. Solvents
Bio-catalysis
Organic reaction & catalysis
Nano-particle synthesis
Polymerisation
Electrolytes
Fuel cells
Sensor
Batteries
Separation
Gas separation
Extractive distillation
Extraction membranes
Heat storage
Thermal fluids
Liquid crystal
Displays
IONIC LIQUIDS
Analytics
GC-head space solvent
Protein crystallisation
Lubricant and additives
Lubricants
Fuel additives
Electroelastic materials
Artificial muscles
Robotics

5. What do I need to Make these ?
Syntheses are facile, yet permit a great range of related compounds to be synthesised (Two Step reflux/”One pot”)

6. What can I do with them ? MP Analysis
Low temperature behaviour (Dry ice/acetone bath to approx -60◦C) – phase changes
Effects of altering composition

7. Viscosity measurements (ball bearings/inclined tile)
Electrical Conductivity
Solvents for unusual substances eg metal oxides (process cleaning) , cellulose (recycling).
Graphite nanotubes reported to be produced by electrolysis with graphite electrodes

8. Collaborative Opportunities
Your physics department – conductivity meter/viscosity measurement
Biology Department - Enzymes
Local University Departments (Advanced Spectroscopy/physical characterisation)
Industrial Collaboration

9. Student Participation
In our first year we were “low key “ – 6 students who had to apply by letter
We are now in our 2nd year and a Hub School for IRIS comprising: SGS, St Philomenas, Sutton High, Greenshaw
We now have approx ~25 students
Recruited by initial presentations by R. Palgrave (UCL Chemistry Department) and DV