Ionic liquids as solvents for polymerization processes-Progress and challenges

Ionic liquids (ILs) are organic salts that are liquid at ambient temperatures. Ionic liquids have emerged as a new class of solvents for practical applications due to their unique combination of low volatility, chemical stability, high conductivity, wide electrochemical window, ability to dissolve organic and inorganic solutes and gases, and tunable solvent properties. In polymer science ionic liquids are used as solvents for polymerization processes and as components of polymeric materials. In this review the advantages and limitations of application of ionic liquids as solvents for polymerization processes are critically discussed, with special emphasis on results published within last 5 years. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.