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

In Situ Species Analysis of a Lithium-Ion Battery Electrolyte Containing LiTFSI and Propylene Carbonate

In this study, we analyzed the species in a model electrolyte consisting of a lithium salt, lithium bis(trifluoromethane sulfone)imide (LiTFSI), and a widely used neutral solvent propylene carbonate (PC) with excess infrared (IR) spectroscopy, ab initio molecular dynamics simulations (AIMD), and quantum chemical calculations. Complexing species including the charged ones [Li+(PC)4, TFSI-, TFSI-(PC), TFSI-(PC)2, and Li(TFSI)2-] are identified in the electrolyte. Quantum chemical calculations show strong Li+···O(PC) interaction, which suggests that Li+ would transport in the mode of solvation-carriage. However, the interaction energy of each hydrogen bond in TFSI-(PC) is very weak, suggesting that TFSI- would transport in hopping mode. In addition, the concentration dependences of the relative population of the species were also derived, providing a scenario for the dissolving process of the salt in PC. These in-depth studies provide physical insights into the structural and interactive properties of the electrolyte of lithium-ion batteries.

The structure and interaction properties of two task-specific ionic liquids and acetonitrile mixtures: A combined FTIR and DFT study

The mixtures of ionic liquid (IL) and acetonitrile (CH₃CN) can be used as reaction media, supercapacitors and thermally stable electrolytes. The macroscopic properties of ILs-CH₃CN mixtures have been extensively studied. However, some fundamental questions regarding the microscopic properties of ILs-CH₃CN mixtures still remain to be answered. In this work, the structure properties and hydrogen-bond interactions of two task-specific ILs, i.e., 1-propylnitrile-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([PCNMIM][Tf₂N]) and 1-(2'-hydroxylethyl)-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([C2OHMIM][Tf₂N]), and CH₃CN were studied using the combination of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The aromatic C‒H stretching vibration region of the cation was an area of special focus. Excess infrared spectroscopy with enhanced resolution was applied to analyse the original infrared spectra. It is found that: (1) The two ILs form stable hydrogen-bonds with CH₃CN. (2) Ion cluster, ion cluster-acetonitrile, and ion pair-acetonitrile are identified in the mixture. Acetonitrile cannot break apart the strong electronic interaction between the cation and anion in the examined concentration range. (3) The hydrogen-bonds are weak strength, closed shell and electrostatic dominant interactions. (4) The preferred interaction site of [PCNMIM]⁺ cation is the hydrogen atom at the C2 site, while that of [C2OHMIM]⁺ cation is the hydrogen atom in the hydroxyl group.

A combined DFT and FT-IR study on the surface interactions in alumina supported ionic liquid [H-Pyr]+[HSO4]. SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA. PART A, MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY 2020;226:117545. [PMID: 31710889 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2019.117545]

The surface interactions in [H-Pyr]⁺[HSO₄]^-/γ-Al₂O₃ system (prepared by wetness impregnation method) are investigated theoretically and experimentally. For that purpose, atoms in molecules theory, natural bond orbital and natural charge population analyses in a combination with a vibrational spectroscopy (FT-IR) are used. It is established that a bond formation between the hydrogen sulfate anion and the alumina influences the IL-support interaction in a great extent. However, a support-cation and a cation-anion interaction in the immobilized [H-Pyr]⁺[HSO₄]^- present as well. A comparative analysis between the experimental and the calculated vibrational modes is carried out and a significant number of infrared bands are assigned. The results indicate a good correlation between the experimental and the theoretical IR frequencies. It is found that the aforementioned interactions affected the vibrational frequencies in the supported IL.

Mechanistic investigation of molecular geometry, intermolecular interactions and spectroscopic properties of pyridinium nitrate

The molecular structure, vibrational frequencies of the fundamental modes and electronic transitions of the ionic liquid pyridinium nitrate ([H-Pyr]⁺[NO₃]^-) have been determined by means of density functional theory (DFT) at B3LYP/6-311++G (2d,2p) level. The chemical bonds nature and the intermolecular interactions in the title compound were investigated using the Quantum theory of atoms in molecules and Hirshfeld surface analysis. Natural bond orbital analysis has been performed in order to elucidate the hybridization and delocalization of electron density within the ion pair [H-Pyr]⁺[NO₃]^-. A detailed vibrational spectral analysis was carried out and the assignments of the observed bands have been proposed on the basis of potential energy distribution. A good correlation between experimental and theoretical IR frequencies was observed. To study the charge transfers occurred in the title molecule, UV-vis analysis was conducted.

Solvation of Zn2+ ion in 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ionic liquids: a molecular dynamics and X-ray absorption study

Molecular dynamics simulations and X-ray absorption spectroscopy were employed to study Zn²⁺ ions in [C_nmim][Tf₂N] (n = 2, 4).

How Meaningful Is the Halogen Bonding in 1-Ethyl-3-methyl Imidazolium-Based Ionic Liquids for CO2 Capture?

We report on several parameters that can be used to describe the 1-ethyl-3-methyl-4,5-(X₂)imidazolium cations (where X = H, Br, and I) within the Canongia-Lopez and Padua Force Field (CL&P) framework. Geometrical parameters like intramolecular distances and radial distribution functions are close to the experimental structure. Density values obtained with our force field are within the expected ones from CL&P calculations in related systems. This information is used to simulate through molecular dynamics the solubilization of CO₂ by these ILs. For pure ILs, the addition of halides in position 4 and 5 promotes an enhanced hydrogen bond interaction at position 2 with the oxygen atoms in the anion. It is found that CO₂ should be in the interstices of the anion-cation 3D network with longer distances than those found in other reports at ab initio levels, suggesting that halogen bond, if present, may be not the driving force interaction in these systems. Therefore, it seems that CO₂ interacts linearly via an oxygen atom with the cation and with the anion through a π-stacking or hydrogen-bonded fashions. Solvation enthalpies compare well with the experimental data, thereby suggesting that halogenated ILs dissolve more efficiently in CO₂ than C₂C₁Im⁺ derivatives. This result suggests that halogenated ILs can be considered as reliable candidates for CO₂ capture.

Elucidating Solvation Structures for Rational Design of Multivalent Electrolytes-A Review

Fundamental molecular-level understanding of functional properties of liquid solutions provides an important basis for designing optimized electrolytes for numerous applications. In particular, exhaustive knowledge of solvation structure, stability, and transport properties is critical for developing stable electrolytes for fast-charging and high-energy-density next-generation energy storage systems. Accordingly, there is growing interest in the rational design of electrolytes for beyond lithium-ion systems by tuning the molecular-level interactions of solvate species present in the electrolytes. Here we present a review of the solvation structure of multivalent electrolytes and its impact on the electrochemical performance of these batteries. A direct correlation between solvate species present in the solution and macroscopic properties of electrolytes is sparse for multivalent electrolytes and contradictory results have been reported in the literature. This review aims to illustrate the current understanding, compare results, and highlight future needs and directions to enable the deep understanding needed for the rational design of improved multivalent electrolytes.

Vibrational Spectroscopy of Ionic Liquids

Vibrational spectroscopy has continued use as a powerful tool to characterize ionic liquids since the literature on room temperature molten salts experienced the rapid increase in number of publications in the 1990's. In the past years, infrared (IR) and Raman spectroscopies have provided insights on ionic interactions and the resulting liquid structure in ionic liquids. A large body of information is now available concerning vibrational spectra of ionic liquids made of many different combinations of anions and cations, but reviews on this literature are scarce. This review is an attempt at filling this gap. Some basic care needed while recording IR or Raman spectra of ionic liquids is explained. We have reviewed the conceptual basis of theoretical frameworks which have been used to interpret vibrational spectra of ionic liquids, helping the reader to distinguish the scope of application of different methods of calculation. Vibrational frequencies observed in IR and Raman spectra of ionic liquids based on different anions and cations are discussed and eventual disagreements between different sources are critically reviewed. The aim is that the reader can use this information while assigning vibrational spectra of an ionic liquid containing another particular combination of anions and cations. Different applications of IR and Raman spectroscopies are given for both pure ionic liquids and solutions. Further issues addressed in this review are the intermolecular vibrations that are more directly probed by the low-frequency range of IR and Raman spectra and the applications of vibrational spectroscopy in studying phase transitions of ionic liquids.

High capacity CO2sorbents based on zinc-functionalized ionic liquid confined in morphologically diverse porous matrices

High uptake capacity and dramatic sorption kinetic enhancement in a series of novel hybrid CO₂sorbents based on a supported zinc-functionalized ionic liquid.