Synthesis of a multi-branched trinuclear ionic liquid demulsifier and evaluation of its performance in W/O emulsions

A multi-branched trinuclear ionic liquid demulsifier (EDHBr-IL) was synthesized using glycerol triglycidyl ether, di-n-hexylamine and 1-bromododecane as raw materials using a simple “one-pot” method. Its structure was characterized by FT-IR, 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectra. EDHBr-IL exhibited a favorable demulsifying performance in W/O emulsions at lower temperature. The demulsifying efficiency (DE) of 300 mg/L of EDHBr-IL at 50 °C reached 90 % with for 2 h. It showed an excellent acid, alkaline and salt resistance. A relatively high DE was achieved at a pH range of 4–12 and a salinity of 10,000 mg/L. In addition, the demulsification mechanism was explored based on interfacial properties and micro examination. EDHBr-IL has substantial potential for the demulsification of W/O emulsions due to its simple and safe preparation, and performance comparable to that of with commercial demulsifiers.