This research project focuses on the synthesis of ionic liquids for high-thrust electric propulsion (EP). While the majority of propellant research emphasizes improving performance and efficiency (Isp), little work is geared towards studying ionic liquids to benefit thrust (F) in the EP regime. The proposed research will involve the synthesis of new ionic liquid compounds in order to explore their suitability for EP. The ideal candidate will have a Ph.D. in organic chemistry, with doctoral work preferably focusing on the synthesis of ionic liquids. In addition, familiarity with typical characterization methods including NMR, FTIR, UV-vis spectroscopies as well as DSC and TGA are desired.

References

1. Greeson, K. T.; Hall, N. G.; Redeker, N. D.; Marcischak, J. C.; Gilmore, L. V.: Boatz, J. A.; Le, T. C.; Alston, J. R.; Guenthner, A. J.; Ghiassi, K. B. J. Mol. Liq. 2018, 265, 701-710.