A new pilot-plant in Leicestershire will demonstrate how ionic liquids could make many industrial processes cleaner and greener.
The Ionic Liquids Demonstrator (ILD) project has been developed by the University of Leicester spin-out company Scionix and the Leicester Shire Economic Partnership.
It will investigate the potential for replacing harsh acidic solvents used in metal-related processes such as electro-polishing and electroplating.
Working with and disposing of these acidic solvents present many health and safety and environmental issues, unlike the ionic liquids developed in the ILD, which will be non-toxic and environmentally friendly.
The project team at the ILD plans to work with local businesses to encourage the use of the ionic liquid solvents and explore the benefits of their use.
Prof Andy Abbott, head of the university's Department of Chemistry and director of Scionix, said: 'This is a fantastic opportunity for us to collaborate with local industry and hopefully bring new technology to expand their product ranges.'
The plant will be officially opened tomorrow by the
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