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FRONTIERS
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Frontiers explores new ideas in science, meeting the researchers whoÌýsee the world through fresh eyes and challenge existing theories - as well asÌýhearing fromÌýtheir critics. ManyÌýsuch developments create new ethical and moral questions and Frontiers is not afraid to consider these.
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Ionic liquids
You probably haven’t heard of ionic liquids, but these remarkable substances could be the lubricant for a veritable revolution in chemical engineering.
Ionic liquids areÌýsolvents consisting of electrically charged particles - or ions - which could be positive or negative. They're not flammable; they release no fumes; and they can make chemical reactions faster and cheaper.
There are potentially as many of these intriguing liquids as you could ever want. They increase yield – and profit - for manufacturers,Ìýreduce the amount of malodorous, toxic waste in the environment andÌýmake the workplace much safer.
Green chemistry
Ionic liquids could be the answer to making the chemical industry turn its back for good on the dirty, contaminating practices of old and embrace instead ‘green chemistry’.
Professor Kenneth Seddon, Chair of Inorganic Chemistry at Queen’s University, Belfast, has made it his life’s work to promote green chemistry around the world.Ìý He believes ionic liquids could provide a key to making the components and end products from industries as diverse as pharmaceuticalsÌýand petrochemicals in an environmentally friendly way.
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Peter Evans finds out howÌýionic liquidsÌýwork, and how they can contribute to a greener future.
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