Density, viscosity and conductivity of the B15C5-[EMIm][NTf2]-anisole system

The separation of lithium isotopes is of paramount importance for fusion energy systems, where 6 Li is indispensable for tritium breeding and 7 Li serves as a coolant in reactor blankets. Crown ethers have emerged as promising chelating agents for lithium isotope separation; however, the lack of fundamental physicochemical data for these extraction systems has posed significant challenges to process optimization and engineering scale-up. This study presents a systematic investigation of the density, viscosity, and electrical conductivity of the B15C5-[EMIm][NTf 2 ]-anisole system at room temperature, which is pertinent to Li + extraction and isotopic separation. Empirical correlations were established to describe the composition dependence of these properties. Additionally, the effects of introducing H 2 O and Li + into the organic phase on the physicochemical properties were examined. The findings provide critical foundational data and insights necessary for the rational design and optimization of lithium isotope separation systems and processes in fusion engineering.