Applications of ionic liquids in the removal of contaminants from refinery feedstocks: an industrial perspective

Abstract

The purpose of this review is to provide appropriate details concerning the applications of ionic liquids for the removal of pollutants from refinery feedstocks, like sulfur-, nitrogen- and fluor-containing compounds, aromatics, naphthenic acids and asphaltenes. Furthermore, critical considerations surrounding the problems and challenges associated with the application of these technologies in the petroleum industry are discussed.