The
launch of a new facility will revolutionize the industrial processes of
electropolishing, metal oxide processing and electroplating.
The
launch of a new facility that will revolutionize the industrial processes of
electropolishing, metal oxide processing and electroplating took place on June
3, when a pioneering Ionics Liquid Demonstrator was formally launched at the
University of Leicester in the United Kingdom by the Vice Chancellor Professor
Robert Burgess.
The
development of this multi-application pilot plant facility has been carried out
by Professor Andy Abbott, Head of the University’s Department of Chemistry and
Director of the University spin-out company, Scionix, in collaboration with the
Leicester Shire Economic Partnership (LSEP).
The
Ionic Liquids Demonstrator (ILD) project builds on the historic and ongoing
research and development activities in the Green Chemistry group at the
University of Leicester to transfer its ionic liquids applications know-how to
Leicestershire business.
Ionic
liquids are fluid at ambient temperatures. They have several advantages over
conventional molecular solvents, making them a viable environmentally
compatible alternative to traditional solvents. Ionic liquids have physical
properties that make them very interesting as potential solvents for synthesis.
The
University of Leicester has established a multi-application pilot plant
facility at the university offering a range of small-scale process
demonstrations in the practical application of ionic liquids to metal-related
industrial processes.
The
Leicester ionic liquid applications have real potential to bring new
value-added gains to existing businesses within the sub-region.
As
an environmentally friendly, non-toxic substitute for current processes, their
use would create both health, and safety and environmental benefits, in
addition to competitive product advantage achieved through better tailoring of
product characteristics (hardness, fineness, adherence, etc.).
By
removing harsh acid-based processes, ionic liquid applications improve energy
efficiency and decrease the emission of chemicals to the environment.
The
project will work with local businesses to encourage end users to explore and
evaluate, in a tangible way, the benefits of industrial processes based on
ionic liquids.
Most
of the solvents Scionix has developed are based on vitamin B4 (choline
chloride), which is safe and easy to manufacture in large quantities. Its use does not have to be registered. By
combining the basic liquid with other molecules or salts a range of processes
can be tailored to individual companies’ use.
Professor
Andy Abbott commented, “This is a fantastic opportunity for us to collaborate
with local industry and hopefully bring new technology to expand their product
ranges. Our local partnerships have so far been very successful and we would
like to extend them using this unit.”
Nick
Carter, chairman of Prospect Leicestershire, said, “Our universities are a
tremendous resource for the local economy. This initiative by the University of
Leicester has the potential to help local businesses with cutting edge
technology – as well as enhancing the reputation of the university nationally
and internationally.”
Scionix was launched in 1999 and is a partnership
between the University of Leicester Department of Chemistry and the
London-based company Whyte Chemicials. Prospect Leicestershire is the new
economic development company for Leicester and Leicestershire. Its
responsibilities include continuing the regeneration of the city and delivering
inward investment, business innovation and support and facilitating economic
growth.
LSEP
was a not-for-profit company established by the East Midlands Development
Agency to promote economic development in Leicester and Leicestershire.
For
more information on this please contact Professor Andy Abbott, Head of the
Department of Chemistry and Director of Scionix, tel +44 (0) 116 252 2087,
e-mail apa1@le.ac.uk.