Amphiphilic Ionic Liquid Assisted Detoxification of Pollutants: A Critical Review

Abstract

The escalating contamination of water bodies by persistent organic and inorganic pollutants is one of the most urgent environmental challenges of the 21st century. Conventional treatment methods—physical, chemical, and biological—are often inefficient, energy‑intensive, or generate secondary pollution. Electrochemical technologies offer rapid kinetics, mild operation, and minimal chemical input, yet they are hampered by electrode fouling, high cost, and poor solubility of hydrophobic pollutants. This critical review presents a comprehensive evaluation of an emerging paradigm: the use of amphiphilic ionic liquids, specifically surface‑active ionic liquids (SAILs), as both electrolyte and micellar medium for the electrochemical sensing and detoxification of priority pollutants, with a focus on halocarbons. SAILs self‑assemble into nanomicelles that solubilise hydrophobic contaminants, eliminate the need for supporting electrolytes, and provide a high‑surface‑area interface that mimics the catalytic activity of metal nanoparticles—without their toxicity. We critically analyse the synthesis, physicochemical characterisation, and electrochemical behaviour of imidazolium‑based SAILs, dissect the mechanisms of dissociative electron transfer in micellar media, and compare performance with conventional electrodes and nanoparticle systems. Key research gaps are identified, including long‑term stability, scale‑up challenges, and the need for comprehensive ecotoxicity assessments. The review concludes that SAIL‑assisted electrodetoxification holds exceptional promise as a green, economical, and scalable technology, provided that future work focuses on rational molecular design, continuous‑flow reactor engineering, and life‑cycle environmental impact.