A Novel Approach for Differential Electrochemical Mass Spectrometry Studies on the Decomposition of Ionic Liquids

Electrochemical Modulation of the Flammability of Ionic Liquid Fuels

Flammability and combustion of high energy density liquid propellants are controlled by their volatility. We demonstrate a new concept through which the volatility of a high energy density ionic liquid propellant can be dynamically manipulated enabling one to (a) store a thermally insensitive oxidation resistant nonflammable fuel, (b) generate flammable vapor phase species electrochemically by applying a direct-current voltage bias, and (c) extinguish its flame by removing the voltage bias, which stops its volatilization. We show that a thermally stable imidazolium-based energy dense ionic liquid can be made flammable or nonflammable simply by application or withdrawal of a direct-current bias. This cycle can be repeated as often as desired. The estimated energy penalty of the electrochemical activation process is only ∼4% of the total energy release. This approach presents a paradigm shift, offering the potential to make a "safe fuel" or alternatively a simple electrochemically driven fuel metering scheme.

In Situ/Operando Methods for Understanding Electrocatalytic Nitrate Reduction Reaction

With the development of industrial and agricultural, a large amount of nitrate is produced, which not only disrupts the natural nitrogen cycle, but also endangers public health. Among the commonly used nitrate treatment techniques, the electrochemical nitrate reduction reaction (eNRR) has attracted extensive attention due to its mild conditions, pollution-free nature, and other advantages. An in-depth understanding of the eNRR mechanism is the prerequisite for designing highly efficient electrocatalysts. However, some traditional characterization tools cannot comprehensively and deeply study the reaction process. It is necessary to develop in situ and operando techniques to reveal the reaction mechanism at the time-resolved and atomic level. This review discusses the eNRR mechanism and summarizes the possible in situ techniques used in eNRR. A detailed introduction of various in situ techniques and their help in understanding the reaction mechanism is provided. Finally, the current challenges and future opportunities in this research area are discussed and highlighted.

Dataset of the electrochemical potential windows for the Au(hkl)|ionic liquid interfaces defined by the cut-off current densities

This data article describes the linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) profiles of five ionic liquids (ILs) at the low-index (hkl) (hkl = 111, 100, and 110) planes of Au. The LSV profiles were recorded at 25 ± 1°C for the Au(hkl)|IL interfaces maintained in a hanging meniscus configuration in an inert Ar atmosphere (with H2O and O2 concentrations being lower than 5 ppm). The width of the electrical double-layer regions (E dl) and the electrochemical potential windows (E pw) of the ILs were evaluated based on the cut-off current densities (j cut-off): ±5, ±10, and ±20 µA cm-2 for E dl and ±0.1, ±0.5, and ±1.0 mA cm-2 for E pw. The potential values were calibrated to the redox potential of ferrocene/ferrocenium in each IL. A detailed discussion on the electrochemical behaviors of the ILs on Au(hkl) is provided in the related article "Voltammetric Investigation of Anodic and Cathodic Processes at Au(hkl)|Ionic Liquid Interfaces", published in the Journal of Electroanalytical Chemistry (Ueda and Yoshimoto, 2021).

Electroanalysis of Neutral Precursors in Protic Ionic Liquids and Synthesis of High-Ionicity Ionic Liquids

Protic ionic liquids (PILs) are ionic liquids that are formed by transferring protons from Brønsted acids to Brønsted bases. While they nominally consist entirely of ions, PILs can often behave as though they contain a significant amount of neutral species (either molecules or ion clusters), and there is currently a lot of interest in determining the degree of "ionicity" of PILs. In this contribution, we describe a simple electroanalytical method for detecting and quantifying residual excess acids in a series of ammonium-based PILs (diethylmethylammonium triflate [dema][TfO], dimethylethylammonium triflate [dmea][TfO], triethylammonium trifluoroacetate [tea][TfAc], and dimethylbutylammonium triflate [dmba][TfO]). Ultra-microelectrode voltammetry reveals that some of the accepted methods for synthesizing PILs can readily result in the formation of nonstoichiometric PILs containing up to 230 mM excess acid. In addition, vacuum purification of PILs is of limited use in cases where nonstoichiometric PILs are formed. Although excess bases can be readily removed from PILs under ambient conditions, excess acids cannot be removed, even under high vacuum. The effects of excess acid on the electrocatalytic oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in PILs have been studied, and the onset potential of the ORR in [dema][TfO] increases by 0.8 V upon addition of acid to PIL. On the basis of the results of our analyses, we provide some recommendations for the synthesis of highly ionic PILs.

NMR Study of the Reductive Decomposition of [BMIm][NTf2 ] at Gold Electrodes and Indirect Electrochemical Conversion of CO2

Potential controlled electrolyses of [BMIm][NTf₂ ] ionic liquid were performed at a gold cathode under nitrogen atmosphere. The structures of the major conversion products of the BMIm⁺ cation were elucidated on the basis of 1D and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analyses and gas chromatography (GC) analysis of the volatile compounds. Recombination of the imidazol-2-yl radicals, generated at the electrode by single electron transfer, leads to neutral diastereomeric dimers in equal proportions, with a faradaic efficiency of 80 %, while disproportionation of these radicals and/or reaction with hydrogen atoms adsorbed at the electrode generates a neutral monomer with 20 % faradaic efficiency. Both pathways also yield the N-heterocyclic carbene imidazolin-2-ylidene, which is involved in fast proton exchange with the parent BMIm⁺ cation. The reductive decomposition products of the BMIm⁺ cation are no longer detected if the pre-electrolysed sample is reacted with CO₂ , which undergoes an indirect reduction and generates the carboxylate adduct.

Recent advances in real-time and in situ analysis of an electrode–electrolyte interface by mass spectrometry

Novelty: Recent advances in real-time and in situ monitoring of an electrode–electrolyte interface by mass spectrometry are reviewed.