Surface science and model catalysis with ionic liquid-modified materials

Dynamic equilibria in supported ionic liquid phase (SILP) catalysis: in situ IR spectroscopy identifies [Ru(CO)xCly]n species in water gas shift catalysis

Ru-based SILP systems efficiently catalyze the low-temperature water-gas shift reaction (WGSR).

Gluing Ionic Liquids to Oxide Surfaces: Chemical Anchoring of Functionalized Ionic Liquids by Vapor Deposition onto Cobalt(II) Oxide

Ionic liquids (IL) hold a great potential as novel electrolytes for applications in electronic materials and energy technology. The functionality of ILs in these applications relies on their interface to semiconducting nanomaterials. Therefore, methods to control the chemistry and structure of this interface are the key to assemble new IL-based electronic and electrochemical materials. Here, we present a new method to prepare a chemically well-defined interface between an oxide and an IL film. An imidazolium-based IL, which is carrying an ester group, is deposited onto cobalt oxide surface by evaporation. The IL binds covalently to the surface by thermally activated cleavage of the ester group and formation of a bridging carboxylate. The anchoring reaction shows high structure sensitivity, which implies that the IL film can be adhered selectively to specific oxide surfaces.

Coverage-Dependent Anchoring of 4,4'-Biphenyl Dicarboxylic Acid to CoO(111) Thin Films

We investigated the adsorption behavior of 4,4'-biphenhyl dicarboxylic acid (BDA) on well-ordered CoO(111) films grown on Ir(100) as a function of coverage and temperature using time-resolved and temperature-programmed infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy (TR-IRAS, TP-IRAS) in combination with density functional theory (DFT) and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) under ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) conditions. To compare the binding behavior of BDA as a function of the oxide film thickness, three different CoO(111) film thicknesses were explored: films of about 20 bilayers (BLs) (approximately 5 nm), 2 BLs, and 1 BL. The two carboxylic acid groups of BDA offer two potential anchoring points to the oxide surface. At 150 K, intact BDA adsorbs on 20 BL thick oxide films in planar geometry with the phenyl rings aligned parallel to the surface. With decreasing oxide film thickness, we observe an increasing tendency for deprotonation and the formation of flat-lying BDA molecules anchored as dicarboxylates. After saturation of the first monolayer, intact BDA multilayers grow with molecules aligned parallel to the surface. The BDA multilayer desorbs at around 360 K. Completely different growth behavior is observed if BDA is deposited above the multilayer desorption temperature. Initially, doubly deprotonated dicarboxylates are formed by adopting a flat-lying orientation. With increasing exposure, however, the adsorbate layer transforms into upright standing monocarboxylates. A sharp OH stretching band (3584 cm^-1) and a blue-shifted CO stretching band (1759 cm^-1) indicate weakly interacting apical carboxylic acid groups at the vacuum interface. The anchored monocarboxylate phase slowly desorbs in a temperature range of up to 470 K. At higher temperature, a flat-lying doubly deprotonated BDA is formed, which desorbs and decomposes in a temperature range of up to 600 K.

Coating of Pd/C catalysts with Lewis-acidic ionic liquids and liquid coordination complexes – SCILL induced activity enhancement in arene hydrogenation

Acid doping – coating of Pd/C catalysts with Lewis-acidic liquid films results in increased hydrogenation activity at very mild reaction conditions.

Ionic-Liquid-Modified Hybrid Materials Prepared by Physical Vapor Codeposition: Cobalt and Cobalt Oxide Nanoparticles in [C1C2Im][OTf] Monitored by In Situ IR Spectroscopy

The synthesis of ionic-liquid-modified nanomaterials has attracted much attention recently. In this study we explore the potential to prepare such systems in an ultraclean fashion by physical vapor codeposition (PVCD). We codeposit metallic cobalt and the room-temperature ionic liquid (IL) 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium trifluoromethanesulfonate [C1C2Im][OTf] simultaneously onto a Pd(111) surface at 100 K. This process is performed under ultrahigh-vacuum (UHV) conditions in the presence of CO, or in the presence of O2 and CO. We use time-resolved (TR) and temperature-programmed (TP) infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy (IRAS) to investigate the formation and stability of the IL-modified Co deposits in situ during the PVD-based synthesis. CO is used as a probe molecule to monitor the growth. After initial growth of flat Co films on Pd(111), multilayers of Co nanoparticles (NPs) are formed. Characteristic shifts and intensity changes are observed in the vibrational bands of both CO and the IL, which originate from the electric field at the IL/Co interface (Stark effect) and from specific adsorption of the [OTf](-) anion. These observations indicate that the Co aggregates are stabilized by mixed adsorbate shells consisting of CO and [OTf](-). The CO coverage on the Co particle decreases with increasing temperature, but some CO is preserved up to the desorption temperature of the IL (370 K). Further, the IL shell suppresses the oxidation of the Co NPs if oxygen is introduced in the PVCD process. Only chemisorbed oxygen is formed at oxygen partial pressures that swiftly lead to formation of Co3O4 in the absence of the IL (5 × 10(-6) mbar O2). This chemisorbed oxygen is found to destabilize the CO ligand shell. The oxidation of Co is not suppressed if IL and Co are deposited sequentially under otherwise identical conditions. In this case we observe the formation of fully oxidized cobalt oxide particles.

Surface structure of imidazolium-based ionic liquids: Quantitative comparison between simulations and high-resolution RBS measurements

Elemental depth profiles of 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide ([CnMIM][TFSI], n = 4, 6, 8) are measured using high-resolution Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy (HRBS). The profiles are compared with the results of molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Both MD simulations and HRBS measurements show that the depth profiles deviate from the uniform stoichiometric composition in the surface region, showing preferential orientations of ions at the surface. The MD simulations qualitatively reproduce the observed HRBS profiles but the agreement is not satisfactory. The observed discrepancy is ascribed to the capillary waves. By taking account of the surface roughness induced by the capillary waves, the agreement becomes almost perfect.

Orthoamide und Iminiumsalze, XCI. N,N′,N″-Peralkylierte Guanidiniumsalze – Ionische Flüssigkeiten als Hilfsmittel in der Elektronenmikroskopie

Polymeric organic materials, e.g. cellulose fibres or nylon 6 (perlon), as well as inorganic materials, e.g. ceramics, can be coated with liquid or solid guanidinium salts. The coated materials can be inspected by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The contrast and brightness of the pictures depend on the heaviest atom present in the anions. The best brightness and contrast were obtained with N,N′,N″-peralkylated guanidinium tetraiodidobismutates(III), which were prepared for the first time together with other guanidinium chloridometallates (Sb, Pb, Bi). Biological samples (cell cultures) can also be investigated by SEM with the aid of the guanidinium tetrachloridobismutate 4b after simple sample preparation.

Micelle co-assembly in surfactant/ionic liquid mixtures

HYPOTHESIS

The phase behavior of amphiphiles is known to depend on their solvent environment. The organic character of ionic liquids suggested the possibility to tune surfactant aggregation, even in the absence of water, by selection of appropriate ionic liquid chemistry. To that end the behavior of the surfactant sodium dodecylsulfate in a chemically similar imidazolium ionic liquid, 1-ethyl-3-methyl imidazolium ethylsulfate, was explored.

EXPERIMENTS

The solubility of sodium dodecylsulfate in 1-ethyl-3-methyl imidazolium ethylsulfate was determined, establishing the Krafft temperature. Tensiometry was performed to obtain interfacial properties such as the surface excess and area per molecule. Pulsed-field gradient spin-echo NMR was used to determine the diffusion coefficients of all the major species, including micelles, as a function of surfactant concentration. Importantly, all three methods provided consistent values for the critical micelle concentration.

FINDINGS

Analysis of tensiometry data suggests, and is confirmed by NMR results, that the ionic liquid ions are incorporated along with surfactants into micelles, revealing a complex micellization behavior. In light of these findings past studies with ternary mixtures of surfactants, ionic liquids, and water may merit additional scrutiny. Given the large number of ionic liquids, this work suggests opportunities to further control micelle formation and properties.

Ionic Liquid Crystals: Versatile Materials

This Review covers the recent developments (2005-2015) in the design, synthesis, characterization, and application of thermotropic ionic liquid crystals. It was designed to give a comprehensive overview of the "state-of-the-art" in the field. The discussion is focused on low molar mass and dendrimeric thermotropic ionic mesogens, as well as selected metal-containing compounds (metallomesogens), but some references to polymeric and/or lyotropic ionic liquid crystals and particularly to ionic liquids will also be provided. Although zwitterionic and mesoionic mesogens are also treated to some extent, emphasis will be directed toward liquid-crystalline materials consisting of organic cations and organic/inorganic anions that are not covalently bound but interact via electrostatic and other noncovalent interactions.

Liquid-Mercury-Supported Langmuir Films of Ionic Liquids: Isotherms, Structure, and Time Evolution

Ionic liquids have been intensively developed for the last few decades and are now used in a wide range of applications, from electrochemistry to catalysis and nanotechnology. Many of these applications involve ionic liquid interfaces with other liquids and solids, the subnanometric experimental study of which is highly demanding, and has been little studied to date. We present here a study of mercury-supported Langmuir films of imidazolium-based ionic liquids by surface tensiometry and X-ray reflectivity. The charge-delocalized ionic liquids studied here exhibit no 2D lateral order but show diffuse surface-normal electron density profiles exhibiting gradual mercury penetration into the ionic liquid film, and surface-normal structure evolution over a period of hours. The effect of increasing the nonpolar alkyl chain length was also investigated. The results obtained provide insights into the interactions between these ionic liquids and liquid mercury and about the time evolution of the structure and composition of their interface.

Interaction of a Self-Assembled Ionic Liquid Layer with Graphite(0001): A Combined Experimental and Theoretical Study

The interaction between (sub)monolayers of the ionic liquid 1-butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)amide [BMP](+)[TFSA](-) and graphite(0001), which serves as a model for the anode|electolyte interface in Li-ion batteries, was investigated under ultrahigh vacuum conditions in a combined experimental and theoretical approach. High-resolution scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and dispersion-corrected density functional theory (DFT-D) calculations were employed. After vapor deposition at 300 K, XPS indicates molecular adsorbates with a 1:1 ratio of cations/anions. Cool down to ∼100 K leads to the formation of an ordered (2D) crystalline phase, which coexists with a mobile (2D) liquid. DFT-D calculations reveal that adsorbed [BMP](+) and [TFSA](-) species are arranged alternately in a row-like adsorption structure (cation-anion-cation-anion) and that adsorption is dominated by dispersion interactions between adlayer and substrate, on the one hand, and electrostatic interactions between the ions in a row, on the other hand. Simulated STM images of that structure closely resemble the experimental molecular resolved STM images and show that the resolved features mostly stem from the cations.

In Situ Generated Platinum Catalyst for Methanol Oxidation via Electrochemical Oxidation of Bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide Anion in Ionic Liquids at Anaerobic Condition

The bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide anion is widely used as an ionic liquid anion due to its electrochemical stability and wide electrochemical potential window at aerobic conditions. Here we report an innovative strategy by directly oxidizing bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide anion to form a radical electrocatalyst on platinum electrode at anaerobic condition. The in situ generated radical catalyst was shown to catalytically and selectively promote the electrooxidation of methanol to form methoxyl radical, in which the formation potential was drastically decreased with the existence of bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide radical. The electrochemically generated radical catalyst not only facilitates the oxidation of methanol but also provides good selectivity. The unique double layer structure of the 1-butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([Bmpy][NTf₂]) likely excludes the diffusion of larger molar mass molecules onto the electrode surface and enables the highly selective methanol oxidation at this IL-electrode interface. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) experiments were used to systematically characterize the details of the electrochemical processes with and without methanol in several other ILs, and a mechanism of the chemical and redox processes was proposed. This study provides a promising new approach for utilizing the unique properties of ionic liquids not only as solvents and electrolytes but also as the medium for in situ generation of electrocatalysts to promote methanol redox reactions for practical applications.

Computational insights into the molecular interaction and ion-pair structures of a novel zinc-functionalized ionic liquid, [Emim][Zn(TFSI)₃]

The ion pair structures of a novel CO2 capture material in the form of a metal chelate anion-containing room temperature ionic liquid (IL), 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tri[bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide]zincate(II), [Emim][Zn(TFSI)3], were elucidated by correlating the infrared spectra generated using density functional theory (DFT) calculations with the experimental spectrum derived from a room temperature infrared spectroscopic measurement. A free volume energy minimization algorithm revealed stable structures where the zinc ion forms an octahedral, homoleptic complex with the ligand bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide through coordination with the oxygen of the sulfone group, with 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acting as the counterion. The method of analysis was built around 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, [Emim][TFSI], involving direct comparison with published data, and extended to the more complex [Emim][Zn(TFSI)3] system. The DFT calculations reproduced the vibrational spectra of [Emim][Zn(TFSI)3] and [Emim][TFSI] using their optimized geometries, with correlation slopes of 0.9996 and 1.0022, respectively. Comparison of the vibrational modes of [Emim][TFSI] and [Emim][Zn(TFSI)3] provided insights into the ion pair structure of, and molecular interactions in the ILs analyzed.

The surface structure matters: thermal stability of phthalic acid anchored to atomically-defined cobalt oxide films

The atomic structure of cobalt oxide surfaces influence the ordering and thermal stability of anchored phthalic acid.

Pd Nanoparticle Formation in Ionic Liquid Thin Films Monitored by in situ Vibrational Spectroscopy

Ionic liquids (ILs) are flexible reaction media and solvents for the synthesis of metal nanoparticles (NPs). Here, we describe a new preparation method for metallic NPs in nanometer thick films of ultraclean ILs in an ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) environment. CO-covered Pd NPs are formed by simultaneous and by sequential physical vapor deposition (PVD) of the IL and the metal in the presence of low partial pressures of CO. The film thickness and the particle size can be controlled by the deposition parameters. We followed the formation of the NPs and their thermal behavior by time-resolved IR reflection absorption spectroscopy (TP-IRAS) and by temperature-programmed IRAS (TR-IRAS). Codeposition of Pd and [C1C2Im][OTf] in CO at 100 K leads to the growth of homogeneous multilayer films of CO-covered Pd aggregates in an IL matrix. The size of these NPs can be controlled by the metal fraction in the co-deposit. With increasing metal fraction, the size of the Pd NPs also increases. At very low metal content, small Pd carbonyl-like species are formed, which bind CO in on-top geometry only. Upon annealing, the [OTf](-) anion coadsorbs at the NP surface and partially displaces CO. Co-adsorption of CO and IL is indicated by a strong red-shift of the CO stretching bands. While the weakly bound on-top CO is mainly replaced below the melting transition of the IL, coadsorbate shells with bridge-bonded CO and IL are stable well above the melting point. Larger three-dimensional Pd NPs can be prepared by PVD of Pd onto a solid [C1C2Im][OTf] film at 100 K. Upon annealing, on-top CO desorbs from these NPs below 200 K. Upon melting of the IL film, the CO-covered Pd NPs immerse into the IL and again form a stable coadsorbate shell that consists of bridge-bonded CO and the IL.

Highly Effective Pt-Based Water-Gas Shift Catalysts by Surface Modification with Alkali Hydroxide Salts

Herein, we describe an economical and convenient method to improve the performance of Pt/alumina catalysts for the water-gas shift reaction through surface modification of the catalysts with alkali hydroxides according to the solid catalyst with ionic liquid layer approach. The results are in agreement with our findings reported earlier for methanol steam reforming. This report indicates that alkali doping of the catalyst plays an important role in the observed catalyst activation. In addition, the basic and hygroscopic nature of the salt coating contributes to a significant improvement in the performance of the catalyst. During the reaction, a partly liquid film of alkali hydroxide forms on the alumina surface, which increases the availability of H₂O at the catalytically active sites. Kinetic studies reveal a negligible effect of the KOH coating on the rate dependence of CO and H₂O partial pressures. TEM studies indicate an agglomeration of the active Pt clusters during catalyst preparation; restructuring of Pt nanoparticles occurs under reaction conditions, which leads to a highly active and stable system over 240 h time on stream. Excessive pore fillings with KOH introduce a mass transfer barrier as indicated in a volcano-shaped curve of activity versus salt loading. The optimum KOH loading was found to be 7.5 wt %.

Thermal Stability Limits of Imidazolium Ionic Liquids Immobilized on Metal-Oxides

Thermal stability limits of 33 imidazolium ionic liquids (ILs) immobilized on three of the most commonly used high surface area metal-oxides, SiO2, γ-Al2O3, and MgO, were investigated. ILs were chosen from a family of 13 cations and 18 anions. Results show that the acidity of C2H of an imidazolium ring is one of the key factors controlling the thermal stability. An increase in C2H bonding strength of ILs leads to an increase in their stability limits accompanied by a decrease in interionic energy. Systematic changes in IL structure, such as changes in electronic structure and size of anion/cation, methylation on C2 site, and substitution of alkyl groups on the imidazolium ring with functional groups have significant effects on thermal stability limits. Furthermore, thermal stability limits of ILs are influenced strongly by acidic character of the metal-oxide surface. Generally, as the point of zero charge (PZC) of the metal-oxide increases from SiO2 to MgO, the interactions of IL and metal-oxide dominate over interionic interactions, and metal-oxide becomes the significant factor controlling the stability limits. However, thermal stability limits of some ILs show the opposite trend, as the chemical activities of the cation functional group or the electron donating properties of the anion alter IL/metal-oxide interactions. Results presented here can help in choosing the most suitable ILs for materials involving ILs supported on metal-oxides, such as for supported ionic liquid membranes (SILM) in separation applications or for solid catalyst with ionic liquid layer (SCILL) and supported ionic liquid phase (SILP) catalysts in catalysis.

Reactions of Superoxide with Iron Porphyrins in the Bulk and the Near-Surface Region of Ionic Liquids

The redox reaction of superoxide (KO2) with highly charged iron porphyrins (Fe(P4+), Fe(P8+), and Fe(P8-)) has been investigated in the ionic liquids (IL) [EMIM][Tf2N] (1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide) and [EMIM][B(CN)4] (1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetracyanoborate) by using time-resolved UV/vis stopped-flow, electrochemistry, cryospray mass spectrometry, EPR, and XPS measurements. Stable KO2 solutions in [EMIM][Tf2N] can be prepared up to a 15 mM concentration and are characterized by a signal in EPR spectrum at g = 2.0039 and by the 1215 cm(-1) stretching vibration in the resonance Raman spectrum. While the negatively charged iron porphyrin Fe(P8-) does not react with superoxide in IL, Fe(P4+) and Fe(P8+) do react in a two-step process (first a reduction of the Fe(III) to the Fe(II) form, followed by the binding of superoxide to Fe(II)). In the reaction with KO2, Fe(P4+) and Fe(P8+) show similar rate constants (e.g., in the case of Fe(P4+): k1 = 18.6 ± 0.5 M(-1) s(-1) for the first reaction step, and k2 = 2.8 ± 0.1 M(-1) s(-1) for the second reaction step). Notably, these rate constants are four to five orders of magnitude lower in [EMIM][Tf2N] than in conventional solvents such as DMSO. The influence of the ionic liquid is also apparent during electrochemical experiments, where the redox potentials for the corresponding Fe(III)/Fe(II) couples are much more negative in [EMIM][Tf2N] than in DMSO. This modified redox and kinetic behavior of the positively charged iron porphyrins results from their interactions with the anions of the ionic liquid, while the nucleophilicity of the superoxide is reduced by its interactions with the cations of the ionic liquid. A negligible vapor pressure of [EMIM][B(CN)4] and a sufficient enrichment of Fe(P8+) in a close proximity to the surface enabled XPS measurements as a case study for monitoring direct changes in the electronic structure of the metal centers during redox processes in solution and at liquid/solid interfaces.

Boosting performance of low temperature fuel cell catalysts by subtle ionic liquid modification

High cost and poor stability of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) electrocatalysts are the major barriers for broad-based application of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells. Here we report a facile and scalable approach to improve Pt/C catalysts for ORR, by modification with small amounts of hydrophobic ionic liquid (IL). The ORR performance of these IL-modified catalysts can be readily manipulated by varying the degree of IL filling, leading to a 3.4 times increase in activity. Besides, the IL-modified catalysts exhibit substantially enhanced stability relative to Pt/C. The enhanced performance is attributed to the optimized microenvironment at the interface of Pt and electrolyte, where advantages stemming from an increased number of free sites, higher oxygen concentration in the IL and electrostatic stabilization of the nanoparticles develop fully, at the same time that the drawback of mass transfer limitation remains suppressed. These findings open a new avenue for catalyst optimization for next-generation fuel cells.

Study of miniemulsion formulation containing 1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate for its application in low-emitting coating products

Room temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) are non-volatile organic salts, and few of them with low melting point may replace the conventional coalescing agents in waterborne coatings, thus preventing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emission, caused by coalescing agents. The formation of waterborne coating containing RTILs can be achieved by the encapsulation of RTILs inside latexes via miniemulsion polymerization. Achieving a stable miniemulsion is a crucial step for further polymerization. In this study, 1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate (C8mimPF6) was chosen, and various factors which might affect droplet size and its stability, including surfactant type, surfactant concentration, and C8mimPF6 concentration, were investigated. It was found that the presence of a small amount of C8mimPF6 coupled with the surfactant would offer marked effects on the droplet size reduction and droplet stability. Such effect may reach its maximum from 1 to 5 wt% C8mimPF6. Above the critical concentration, adding more C8mimPF6 to the oil phase may cause a larger initial droplet size as well as weaken the droplet stability. Such observations were consistent with the zeta potential measurements for miniemulsions prepared under similar conditions.

Methanol steam reforming promoted by molten salt-modified platinum on alumina catalysts

We herein describe a straight forward procedure to increase the performance of platinum-on-alumina catalysts in methanol steam reforming by applying an alkali hydroxide coating according to the "solid catalyst with ionic liquid layer" (SCILL) approach. We demonstrate by diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) and temperature-programmed desorption (TPD) studies that potassium doping plays an important role in the catalyst activation. Moreover, the hygroscopic nature and the basicity of the salt modification contribute to the considerable enhancement in catalytic performance. During reaction, a partly liquid film of alkali hydroxides/carbonates forms on the catalyst/alumina surface, thus significantly enhancing the availability of water at the catalytically active sites. Too high catalyst pore fillings with salt introduce a considerable mass transfer barrier into the system as indicated by kinetic studies. Thus, the optimum interplay between beneficial catalyst modification and detrimental mass transfer effects had to be identified and was found on the applied platinum-on-alumina catalyst at KOH loadings around 7.5 mass%.

Interface controls spontaneous crystallization in thin films of the ionic liquid [C₂C₁Im][OTf] on atomically clean Pd(111)

A total of 5-30 monolayer thick films of the ionic liquid (IL) [C2C1Im][OTf] were vaporized in vacuo onto an atomically clean Pd(111) single crystal surface at 220 K. Time- and temperature-resolved infrared reflection-absorption spectroscopy reveals growth, interactions with the metallic support, and the macroscopic phase behavior of the layer. At 220 K, the IL layer first grows in the form of a glassy phase. Crystallization of the IL was witnessed above a critical thickness of about 10 monolayers. On the basis of the known bulk crystal structure of the IL, we suggest the formation of well-oriented checkerboard-like crystalline film structures on the surface. The preferential orientation manifested by the crystal phase with regard to the macroscopic metallic surface is attributed to strong interactions between anionic headgroups and the metal.

The dissolution behaviour of chitosan in acetate-based ionic liquids and their interactions: from experimental evidence to density functional theory analysis

Herein, both experimental evidence and density functional theory analysis are used to explore the interactions between IL and chitosan.

Immobilization and molecular rearrangement of ionic liquids on the surface of carbon nanotubes

Two kinds of imidazolium ionic liquids with different weight ratios were absorbed on the outer surface of MWCNTs. The orientational order and properties of ILs immobilized on the MWCNTs' surfaces were analyzed.

Adsorption and reaction of sub-monolayer films of an ionic liquid on Cu(111)

The reactive interaction of the ionic liquid 1-butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide [BMP][TFSA] with Cu(111) was investigated by scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) under ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) conditions.