LEF – Laboratory of Phase Equilibrium

In the Phase Equilibrium Laboratory (LEF), our focus is on studying thermodynamic data of new environmentally friendly solvents, such as ionic liquids and eutectic solvents. However, we also contribute to studies involving petroleum fluids and conventional solvents.

LEF is equipped to determine phase equilibrium data (vapor-liquid, liquid-liquid, and solid-liquid) and physicochemical properties (refractive index, vapor pressure, density, etc.) of new solvents, including ionic liquids, eutectic solvents, biofuels, and fuels. We also investigate solubility data of compounds of interest, particularly biomolecules, in new solvents and conventional organic solvents, as well as their mixtures.

Furthermore, regarding new solvents, we are interested in developing more environmentally friendly processes and valorizing products using these solvents. One prominent research area is the delignification of lignocellulosic biomass and the valorization of its components.

We have a strong interest and extensive experience in determining the flash point data of flammable substances.

In addition to our experimental expertise, we use and develop thermodynamic models for correlating and predicting equilibrium phenomena and estimating parameters to describe experimental data. One of the tools we use is FLAMMA, a program developed in LEF for calculating the flash point.