Multiscale analysis of the phase behavior of azeotropic systems containing low-carbon alcohols with ILs as extractants

Low-carbon alcohol azeotropic systems are widely present in various industrial fields such as chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and food, creating an urgent need for the development of efficient and cost-effective separation technologies to meet the growing market demand. Extraction, as an economical and effective method for separating azeotropic mixtures, relies heavily on the choice of extracting agents. Due to the unique physical properties of ionic liquid (ILs) and the importance of the extraction process, an increasing number of researchers are utilizing ILs as extracting agents. This paper reviews recent advances in the two-phase behavior studies of ILs for separating low-carbon alcohol systems, detailing the application of molecular simulation in phase equilibrium research. Additionally, it describes the liquid-liquid extraction separation model of ILs for low-carbon alcohols, revealing that the NRTL model performs well during the fitting process. Finally, the paper explores the mechanism analysis, experimental studies, and simulation research progress of using ILs as extracting agents for the separation of low-carbon alcohol systems. [Display omitted] •The progress in separation of low-carbon alcohols by ionic liquids was reviewed.•The methods of ionic liquids separation of low-carbon alcohols were summarized.•Discussed the research directions and challenges of low-carbon alcohol separation.