Commercial Availability of Ionic Liquids

Ionic liquids have been extensively researched for over 30 years.  Out of this research several applications for ionic liquids have been suggested and pursued.  In realization of these applications, suppliers (commercial availability) of ionic liquids are needed.  The purpose of this blog is to list companies that supply (make and sell) ionic liquids and to suggest that a strong community of such sellers is needed to develop potential applications. 

The following companies that develop and sell ionic liquids were identified during an Internet search: 

• Alfa Chemistry
• BASF
• Ionic Liquid Technologies (io-li-tec)
• Kumidas
• KOEI Chemical Company
• Millipore Sigma
• Proionic
• Santa Crux Biotechnology
• Solaronix
• Solvay
• Solvionic
• Strem Chemicals
• Tokyo Chemical Industry Company 

Marketing research company data found on the Internet suggests a revenue range for global ionic liquid sales in 2019 of  $30 million to $50 million.   Other Internet information was found that lists prices for ionic liquids in a range of $2.5 to $30 per kilogram (kg).   Using these revenue and price ranges suggests that the quantity range of ionic liquids sold globally in 2019 is from 1,000 to 20,000 metric tons ($30 million divided by $30 per kg; $50 million divided by $2.5 per kg). 

Commercially-important ionic liquid applications identified over the last 30 years include such uses as solvents, electrolytes, and lubricants.  The successful synthesis of customized ionic liquids and their sales by sellers (such as the vendor companies identified above) is likely a critical requirement for the full realization of the potential applications of ionic liquids.  Companies that are working on developing  ionic liquid applications need a strong supply chain of ionic liquids.  A lack of a strong chain of such sellers in previous years could account for why many hoped-for ionic liquids applications have not been realized.  Hopefully, a strong community of sellers, such as possibly the ones listed above, will lead to more success in realizing ionic liquid applications.