Ionic liquids are salts that are liquid at ambient or near ambient temperatures (i.e., having a melting point, or melting range, below about 100° C.). Ionic liquids have a number of uses that include replacing organic solvents in chemical processes and reactions, extracting organic compounds from aqueous waste streams, and as electrolytes in devices such as capacitors and batteries. This is because, unlike conventional organic solvents, ionic liquids are non-volatile and non-flammable. These properties are advantageous to help reduce losses to evaporation, eliminate volatile organic emissions, and improve safety