James Nolan Smith

Mr. James Nolan Smith


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

1Year (2026-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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25 January 2026 in Thermo
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Journal Article
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SIStanislava Ivanova
Stanislava Ivanova
CCCharles Croft
Charles Croft
TSTsveta Sarafska
Tsveta Sarafska
JSJames Nolan Smith
James Nolan Smith
LKLea Kukoc-Modun
Lea Kukoc-Modun
Tony SpassovTony Spassov
Tony Spassov
The development of deep eutectic solvents (DESs) is a key issue for the realization of green and efficient metal extraction processes. The present study aims to experimentally construct the phase diagram of the binary system consisting of tri-n-octylphosphine oxide (TOPO) and 4,4,4-trifluoro-1-phenyl-1,3-butanedione (HBTA) and, thus, determine its eutectic composition for the solvent extraction of Li+. Differential scanning calorimetry was used to characterize the phase transitions (melting temperatures and enthalpies) over the entire composition range of the binary mixture. Its eutectic composition was established at HBTA:TOPO mass ratio of 60:40. For further validation of the eutectic composition from the experimentally measured thermal effects for melting of different HBTA:TOPO mass ratios, a Tammann diagram was also constructed. Only mixtures with HBTA:TOPO mass ratios of 70:30, 60:40 (eutectic composition), and 50:50 were liquids at 30 °C, while at room temperature of 25 °C, the 70:30 mixture formed crystals. All three mixtures, which were liquids at 30 °C, were found to extract Li+ effectively. However, at a room temperature of 25 °C, only the eutectic mixture (60:40 mass ratio) extracted Li+ effectively, while the mixture with HBTA:TOPO mass ratio of 50:50 formed crystals when mechanically agitated and, therefore, was deemed as unsuitable for Li+ extraction.