Micro Reactor Synthesis of Energetic Ionic Liquids

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Materials
OBJECTIVE: To develop a safe, low cost and continuously processed energetic ionic liquids and synthesizing the raw materials that are blended together to produce AF-M315E.
DESCRIPTION: Micro reactors, advanced flow glass reactors or miniaturized reaction systems offer many advantages because they have a large surface-to-volume ratio of miniaturized fluid components which allows for significantly enhanced process control and heat management. The resulting large surface-to-area volume ratio reduces or even eliminates heat and mass transfer resistances found in large reactor systems. Other advantages include shorter residence times, increased selectivity and yield. Also, safety and product quality is improved. Micro reactor production is considered a green chemistry because the reactors are self-contained with minimal emissions, require few reagents, and generate less waste. Energetic ionic liquids like HEHN and HAN are presently manufactured in batch quantities in chemical reactors that need stringent temperature and quality control measures. The raw materials like HEH and HAFB are toxic, require special handling procedures, and produce large quantities of waste. A micro flow reactor which runs continuously can safely produce production quantities of energetic ionic liquids in a walk-in laboratory hood while minimizing raw materials and waste products.
PHASE I: Develop a continuous processing procedure using micro flow reactor technology to produce the main ingredients that make up AF-M315E which include HEHN and HAN. We are also interested in the continuous flow synthesis of the raw materials that go into making the ionic liquids. The minimum production rate is 2.5 - 5 kg/hr. These materials will meet government and industrial quality specifications.
PHASE II: Refine and demonstrate a safe and robust micro flow reactor process to produce a minimum quantity of 100 kg/hr of AFM315E energetic ionic liquid components and their raw materials. Demonstrate a plan to process energetic ionic liquids using off the shelf micro reactor equipment that can be transitioned to the chemical industry.
PHASE III: Dual use application.
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KEYWORDS: Microreactor, Microreactor Technology, Microreactor(s), Monopropellant, Monopropellant Ingredient(s), Continuous Processing, Ionic Liquid(s), Energetic Compound(s), Advanced Flow Reactor(s), Microchannel Device(s), Microstructures