“…[17][18][19] The use of molecular organic solvents such as dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), dimethylformamide (DMF) and acetonitrile in ODS has been patented; some problems, however, exist in employing these organic solvents such as loss, contamination, regeneration, recycling and safety issues stemming from the volatile nature of organic solvents. [20][21][22][23][24][25] Recently, ionic liquids (ILs) have attracted increasing attention thanks to their desirable physicochemical properties such as negligible volatility, easy alteration of cation/anion structure for specific applications, high thermochemical stability and remarkable ability in dissolving organic/ inorganic compounds. With wide-ranging applications in separation technology, nanotechnology, catalysis, electrochemistry, etc., ILs are being acclaimed as "green" and "designer" solvents.…”