Influence of the molar ratio of SEP (choline chloride: urea) on the separation processes of dimethyl carbonate + ethanol solutions at 298,15 K

• Grant number: 25/02713-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: May 01, 2025
• End date: April 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Chemical Engineering - Industrial Operations and Equipment for Chemical Engineering
• Principal Investigator: Pedro Felipe Arce Castillo
• Grantee: Lívia Dall Alba Betito
• Host Institution: Escola de Engenharia de Lorena (EEL). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Lorena , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Dimethyl carbonate (DMC) is a great additive for diesel and gasoline. However, DMC and ethanol can mix to produce an azeotrope, so it is crucial to separate these two components. This project aims to study the liquid-liquid phase behavior (LLE) of the DMC + ethanol + deep eutectic solvent, DES {choline chloride : urea} systems, emphasizing the molar influence of DES (1 : 2 and 1 : 3), at 298,15 K and 101,3 kPa. The experimental equipment consists of an equilibrium cell, thermostatic bath, temperature and pressure sensors. The binodal curve will be obtained using the cloud point method, and will be used to determine the calibration curves (refractive index and density versus composition). The compositions of the two liquid phases, at equilibrium (LLE), will be obtained using the calibration curves. Quality testing and separation factors will be determined using LLE experimental data. Finally, thermodynamic modeling will be done using the ¿-¿ approach, in which the activity coefficient, ¿, will be obtained from the NRTL (Non-Random Two-Liquids) model (298,15 K and 101,3 kPa). To verify the accuracy of the NRTL binary interaction parameters and the reliability of the experimental data, the GM/RT surfaces and tie-lines will be obtained by the graphical user interface (GUI). Finally, the efficiency of DES as an "entrainer" will be determined depending on its composition (molar ratio between receptor and hydrogen donor).