Freezing characteristics of binary solution droplets of ionic liquid and water on a cold porous surface

Abstract

The potential of the binary solution of 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate ([EMIm] Ac) ionic liquid and water to serve as an anti-icing fluid has been investigated. In contrast to pure droplets, the internal morphology of the binary solution droplets is characterized by greater opacity during both the spreading and icing phases. The addition of the ionic liquid to water can reduce the freezing temperature and icing rate, especially for the 20 wt% aqueous solution. A thinner ice layer with the 20 wt% aqueous solution was observed and the average ice thickness was found to be approximately 63.8% of that of the water with surface temperature of 263.15 K. The 10 wt% aqueous solution almost has the same icing rate as water. An aqueous solution with a mass fraction greater than 10 wt% is required when the temperature is − 10°C. The research revealed the relationship between ice thickness and contact time, shedding light on the anti-icing properties of the binary ionic liquid solution.