Abstract
In this review paper, a brief overview of the increasing applicability of Process Systems Engineering (PSE) tools in two research areas, which are the design of ionic liquids and the design of integrated biorefineries, is presented. The development and advances of novel computational tools and optimization approaches in recent years have enabled these applications with practical results. A general introduction to ionic liquids and their various applications is presented followed by the major challenges in the design of optimal ionic liquids. Significant improvements in computational efficiency have made it possible to provide more reliable data for optimal system design, minimize the production cost of ionic liquids, and reduce the environmental impact caused by such solvents. Hence, the development of novel computational tools and optimization tools that contribute to the design of ionic liquids have been reviewed in detail. A detailed review of the recent developments in PSE applications in the field of integrated biorefineries is then presented. Various value-added products could be processed by the integrated biorefinery aided with applications of PSE tools with the aim of enhancing the sustainability performance in terms of economic, environmental, and social impacts. The application of molecular design tools in the design of integrated biorefineries is also highlighted. Major developments in the application of ionic liquids in integrated biorefineries have been emphasized. This paper is concluded by highlighting the major opportunities for further research in these two research areas and the areas for possible integration of these research fields.
Highlights
The competitive nature of the current chemical industry constantly demands improvements in process and product quality and efficiency
computer-aided molecular design (CAMD), property models based on group contribution (GC), and process design simulations are combined and solved simultaneously to obtain the optimal ionic liquid separating agent
Recent advances in the development of computational Process Systems Engineering (PSE) tools have enabled the design of ionic liquids and the design of integrated biorefineries
Summary
The competitive nature of the current chemical industry constantly demands improvements in process and product quality and efficiency. The focus of research in PSE fields has shifted to the areas of development of new products, process networks and enterprise, supply chain optimization, and global life cycle assessment (LCA) [2]. The application of novel PSE approaches in the design of ionic liquids and the synthesis of integrated biorefineries are highlighted. Since these are relatively recent concepts, specific PSE tools had to be developed to address the specific/novel challenges raised by these problems. In addition to the design and selection of ionic liquids, the development and application of PSE tools in the field of integrated biorefineries have been immense. The recent applications of CAMD in the ionic liquid design are reviewed in detail
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