Ionic liquid-assisted refinery processes – A review and industrial perspective

Abstract Petroleum refining has been one of the key technologies driving global economic development and technological advancement for well over a century. Although much of the technology used in refineries is considered mature, the industry is always seeking ways to make process improvements, reduce environmental impact, enhance safety, and achieve cost reductions. In particular, much focus has been placed on improving the existing technology for desulfurization, denitrogenation and alkylation. Due to their unique physical and chemical properties and environmental advantages over traditionally used solvents or catalysts, interest in ionic liquids for such refinery processes has been increasing exponentially in recent years. This review outlines the existing technology used in refineries, such as desulfurization, denitrogenation and alkylation, critically examines recent research into the use of ionic liquid-based alternatives, and discusses the major challenges that must be overcome to facilitate the widespread implementation of ionic liquid-based refinery technology on an industrial scale.