Application of ionic liquids in organic pollutants control

For their unique properties and good solubility for many different materials, ionic liquids (ILs) have been applied in several fields, such as separation process, synthesis, catalysis and electrochemistry. This paper focuses on applications of ILs in organic pollutants control. An overview of separation, recycling and control of organic pollutants with ILs is present, for example, phenolic compounds, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAHs) and dyes from wastewater, dioxins from waste gas, polyamides from solid wastes, chlorophenothane (DDT) and dieldrin from contaminated soils. Furthermore, the problems and challenges of ILs in organic pollutants control are discussed.

► The research and applications of ILs in pollution control are still in early stage. ► We summarize control of organic pollutants, such as aromatic compounds, from wastewater by ionic liquids. ► We summarize recycle of organic pollutants, such as dye and fat, from wastewater and solid wastes by ionic liquids. ► We summarize control of organic pollutants, such as dioxins, from flue gas by ionic liquids. ► The problems and challenges in control of organic pollutants by ionic liquids are discussed.