Ion Mobility in Hydroxy-Functionalized Ionic Liquids Depends on Cationic Clustering: Tracking the Alkyl Chain Length Behavior with Deuteron NMR Relaxation

Observing and quantifying the like-charge attraction in liquids and solutions is still challenging. However, we showed that elusive cation-cation hydrogen bonding may govern the structure and interaction in hydroxyl-functionalized ionic liquids. Therefore, cationic cluster formation depends on the shape, charge distribution, and functionality of the ions. We demonstrated by means of solid-state 2H NMR spectroscopy that cationic clusters change the structure and dynamics of ionic liquids. With increasing alkyl chain length, we observed two deuteron quadrupole coupling constants for the OD groups, differing by about 30 kHz. The lower value was assigned to the cation-cation interaction, indicating that the average (c-c) hydrogen bonds are stronger than the (c-a) hydrogen bonds between the cation and the anion despite the repulsive and attractive Coulomb interaction in the first and latter cases. Ion mobility could be studied by 2H NMR spectroscopy, although the deuterons in the hydrogen-bonded clusters underwent fast exchange. Our results also showed that simple relaxation models are not applicable anymore and that anisotropic motion must be considered.

How Like-Charge Attraction Influences the Mobility of Cations in Hydroxyl-Functionalized Ionic Liquids

Attractive interactions between ions of like charge remain an elusive concept. Observing and quantifying this type of interaction in liquids and solutions is still a major challenge. Recently, we have shown that cation-cation interactions are present in hydroxyl-functionalized ionic liquids and that they can be controlled by the shape, charge distribution and functionality of the ions. In the present study, we demonstrate that cationic cluster formation does not only change the local structures of the ionic liquids but also influences the dynamics of the cations in a characteristic way. We show that solid-state ²H NMR spectroscopy is well suited for the study of molecular motion, even if the hydrogen bonded species of interest are indistinguishable due to fast deuteron exchange. We also provide valuable information about the applicability of well-accepted relaxation models.

The Influence of Deuterium Isotope Effects on Structural Rearrangements, Ensemble Equilibria, and Hydrogen Bonding in Protic Ionic Liquids

We report strong isotope effects for the protic ionic liquid triethylammonium methanesulfonate [TEA][OMs] by means of deuterium solid-state NMR spectroscopy covering broad temperature ranges from 65 K to 313 K. Both isotopically labelled PILs differ in non-deuterated and fully deuterated ethyl groups of the triethyl ammonium cations. The N-D bond of both cations is used as sensitive probe for hydrogen bonding and structural ordering. The ² H NMR line shape analysis provides the deuteron quadrupole coupling constants and the characteristics of a broad heterogeneous phase with simultaneously present static and mobile states indicating plastic crystal behavior. The temperatures where both states are equally populated differ by about 80 K for the two PILs, showing that deuteration of the ethyl groups in the trialkylammonium cations tremendously shifts the equilibrium towards the static state. In addition, it leads to a significant less cooperative transition, associated with a significantly reduced standard molar transition entropy.

Structural Anomaly in Glasses: Molecular Dynamics Study of Organic Radical in Dibutylphthalate at Different Temperatures

Understanding the heterogeneous nano/microscopic structures of various organic glasses is fundamental and necessary for many applications. Recently, unusual structural phenomena have been observed experimentally in various organic glasses near their glass transition temperatures (Tg), including dibutyl phthalate (DBP). In particular, the librational motion of radical probe in the glass is progressively suppressed upon temperature increase. In this work, we report in-depth molecular dynamics studies of structural anomalies in DBP glass, that revealed insights into the general mechanism of these phenomena. In particular, we have evidenced that the two types of solvation within alkyl chains coexist, allowing only small-angle wobbling of the solute molecule (TEMPO radical), and another favouring large-angle rotations. The former solvation assumes constrained location of the solute near carboxyl groups of DBP, while the latter is coupled to the concerted movement of butyl chains. Remarkably, excellent qualitative and quantitative agreement with previous experimental results were obtained. As such, we are certain that the above-mentioned dynamic phenomena explain the intriguing structural anomalies observed in DBP and some other glasses in the vicinity of Tg.

Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient-Ionic Liquids (API-ILs): Nanostructure of the Glassy State Studied by Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient-Ionic Liquids (API-ILs) draw increasing interest as a particular class of ILs that possess unusual physicochemical properties along with simultaneous potentials for pharmaceutical applications. Although nanostructuring phenomena were actively investigated in common ILs, their studies in API-ILs are scarce so far. In this work, using the complex methodology of Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) and dissolved spin probes, we investigate nanostructuring phenomena in a series of API-ILs: [C_nmim][Ibu], [C_nmim][Gly], and [C_nmim][Sal] with n = 2, 4, and 6, respectively. We reveal similar trends for API-ILs and common ILs, as well as peculiarities inherent to the studied API-ILs. Unusual behavior observed for [C_nmim][Ibu] has been assigned to the presence of a non-polar fragment in the [Ibu]⁻ anion, which leads to the formation of more complex nanostructures around the radical compared to common ILs. Understanding general trends in the formation of such self-organized molecular structures is of fundamental interest and importance for applying API-ILs.

Recent advances in NMR spectroscopy of ionic liquids

This review presents recent developments in the application of NMR spectroscopic techniques in the study of ionic liquids. NMR has been the primary tool not only for the structural characterization of ionic liquids, but also for the study of dynamics. The presence of a host of NMR active nuclei in ionic liquids permits widespread use of multinuclear NMR experiments. Chemical shifts and multinuclear coupling constants are used routinely for the structure elucidation of ionic liquids and of products formed by their covalent interactions with other materials. Also, the availability of a multitude of NMR techniques has facilitated the study of dynamical processes in them. These include the use of NOESY to study inter-ionic interactions, pulsed-field gradient techniques for probing transport properties, and relaxation measurements to elucidate rotational dynamics. This review will focus on the application of each of these techniques to investigate ionic liquids.

Structure, hydrogen bond dynamics and phase transition in a model ionic liquid electrolyte

We show that solid-state NMR spectroscopy is a suitable method for characterizing the structure, hydrogen bond dynamics and phase transition behavior in protic ionic liquids (PILs). Deuteron line shape and spin relaxation time analysis provide a description of the structural and dynamical heterogeneity in the solid state of the model PIL triethyl ammonium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)amide [TEA][NTf₂]. Therein, we observed two deuteron quadrupole coupling constant for the ND bond of the TEA cation, indicating differently strong hydrogen bonds to the nitrogen and oxygen atoms of the NTf₂ anion, as we could confirm by DFT calculations. The transition processes in the dynamically heterogeneous phase are characterized by two standard molar enthalpies and thus different stages of melting. We provide geometry, rates and energetics of the cation in the solid and liquid states of the PIL. Comparison with PILs having stronger interacting anions shows higher enthalpy change between the solid and liquid states, lower activation barriers of tumbling motion and higher amplitude of librational motion for the TEA cation in the presence of the weakly interacting anion NTf₂. We provide reasonable relations between microscopic and macroscopic properties, as is relevant for any kind of application.

Nuclear magnetic resonance characterisation of ionic liquids and organic ionic plastic crystals: common approaches and recent advances

Ionic liquids, and their solid-state equivalents organic ionic plastic crystals, show many useful and tailorable properties that make them interesting for a wide range of applications including as electrolytes for energy storage devices. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and related techniques offer a powerful and versatile toolkit for the characterisation of structure, interactions and dynamics in these materials. This article summarises both commonly used methods and some recent advances in this area, including solution- and solid-state methods, dynamic nuclear polarisation, imaging, diffusion and relaxation measurements, and example applications of some less commonly studied nuclei.

Insights into the translational and rotational dynamics of cations and anions in protic ionic liquids by means of NMR fast-field-cycling relaxometry

Understanding the translational and rotational dynamics of cations and anions in hydrogen bonded protic ionic liquids (PIls) is still a challenge. In this study, we determine self-diffusion coefficients and rotational correlation times of both ions in triethylammonium based PILs by means of NMR Fast-Field-Cycling (FFC) relaxometry. Global fits of 1H and 19F nuclear magnetic relaxation dispersion (NMRD) curves allowed proper separation into intra and inter molecular relaxation rates for both NMR sensitive nuclei and thus a reliable description of translational and rotational motion for both ions individually. The diffusion coefficients of the cations are in the order of 6 × 10-11 m2 s-1 at room temperature and about 50 per cent larger than those of the anions. The diffusion coefficients of cations and anions in both PILs were compared with those we derived from applying an universal dispersion power law and those known from pulsed field gradient (PFG) NMR studies. Considering the Nernst-Einstein equation, molar conductivities were calculated from cationic and anionic diffusion coefficients and related to directly measured molar conductivities, allowing the determination of the degree of dissociation. The rotational correlation times τR ranging from 50 ps up to 2 ns as a function of temperature were compared with those obtained from high-field NMR quadrupolar relaxation time measurements addressing explicitly the rotation of the NH vector and giving insights into the acidic proton mobility. The Stokes-Einstein and Stokes-Einstein-Debye relations were applied to relate the diffusion coefficients and rotational correlation times to the macroscopic bulk viscosity. The results were also discussed with respect to the archetypical PIL ethylammonium nitrate.

Nanoconfinement effects on structural anomalies in imidazolium ionic liquids

Imidazolium Ionic Liquids (ILs) have been found to exhibit unusual nanostructuring behavior below their glass transition temperatures (Tg), which is ascribed to rearrangements in nonpolar domains formed by segregated alkyl chains. However, the dimensions required for such highly cooperative bulk phenomena are still unknown. In this work, we for the first time, investigate the effect of nanoconfinement on structural anomalies in imidazolium ILs. For this purpose, a series of ILs were embedded into the cavities of metal-organic framework (MOF) ZIF-8 and investigated using spin probes and Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. The unusual nanostructuring near Tg, previously known for bulk ILs, was also observed for such nanoconfined ILs, and the amplitude of the anomaly was found to be dependent on the structure of the IL, thus showing the effects of molecular packing inside the MOF cavity. The first observation of structural anomalies in nanoconfined ILs opens perspectives for designing smart materials exhibiting these phenomena, and engaging MOFs as platforms creates the basis for potential applications of such functionalities.

Nanocage formation and structural anomalies in imidazolium ionic liquid glasses governed by alkyl chains of cations

Intriguing nanostructuring anomalies have been recently observed in imidazolium ionic liquids (ILs) near their glass transition points, where local density around a nanocaged solute progressively grows up with temperature. Herewith, we for the first time demonstrate experimentally and theoretically, that these anomalies are governed by alkyl chains of cations and crucially depend on their length. Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) spectroscopy on a series of ILs [C_nmim]BF₄ (n = 0-12) shows that only the chains with n = 3-10 favor anomaly. Moreover, remarkable even vs. odd n peculiarities were systematically observed. Finally, similar anomaly was for the first time observed for a non-IL glass of dibutyl phthalate, which structurally mimics cations of imidazolium ILs. Therefore, such anomalous density behavior in a glassy state nanocage goes far beyond ILs and proves to be a more general phenomenon, which can be structurally tuned and rationally adjusted for various potential applications in nanoscale materials.

Simultaneous determination of deuteron quadrupole coupling constants and rotational correlation times: the model case of hydrogen bonded ionic liquids

We show that deuteron quadrupole coupling constants, and reorientational correlation times of molecular bonds N–D that are involved in hydrogen bonding, can be determined from NMR T₁ relaxation time experiments simultaneously by assuming anisotropic motion.

Reorientation dynamics and ion diffusivity of neat dimethylimidazolium dimethylphosphate probed by NMR spectroscopy

NMR spectroscopy at two magnetic field strengths was employed to investigate the dynamics of dimethylimidazolium dimethylphosphate ([C₁C₁IM][(CH₃)₂PO₄]). [C₁C₁IM][(CH₃)₂PO₄] is a low-melting, halogen-free ionic liquid comprising of only methyl groups. ¹³C spin–lattice relaxation rates as well as self-diffusion coefficients were measured for [C₁C₁IM][(CH₃)₂PO₄] as a function of temperature. The rotational correlation times, τ_c, for the cation and the anion were obtained from the ¹³C spin–lattice relaxation rates. Although from a theoretical point of view cations and anions are similar in size, they show different reorientation mobilities and diffusivities. The self-diffusion coefficients and the rotational correlation times were related to the radii of the diffusing spheres. The analysis reveals that the radii of the cation and the anion, respectively, are different from each other but constant at temperatures ranging from 293 to 353 K. The experimental results are rationalised by a discrete and individual cation and anion diffusion. The [(CH₃)₂PO₄]⁻ anion reorients faster compared to the cation but diffuses significantly slower indicating the formation of anionic aggregates. Relaxation data were acquired with standard liquid and magic-angle-spinning NMR probes to estimate residual dipolar interactions, chemical shift anisotropy or differences in magnetic susceptibility within the sample.

Liquid and HR-MAS NMR spectroscopy at two magnetic field strengths was employed to investigate the dynamics of ([C₁C₁IM][(CH₃)₂PO₄]).

Linking Structure to Dynamics in Protic Ionic Liquids: A Neutron Scattering Study of Correlated and Single-Particle Motions

Coupling between dynamical heterogeneity of ionic liquids and their structural periodicity on different length-scales can be directly probed by quasielastic neutron scattering with polarization analysis. The technique provides the tools to investigate single-particle and cooperative ion motions separately and, thus, dynamics of ion associations affecting the net charge transport can be experimentally explored. The focus of this study is the structure-dynamic relationship in the protic ionic liquid, triethylammonium triflate, characterized by strong hydrogen bonds between cations and anions. The site-selective deuterium/hydrogen-isotope substitution was applied to modulate the relative contributions of different atom groups to the total coherent and incoherent scattering signal. This approach in combination with molecular dynamics simulations allowed us to obtain a sophisticated description of cation self-diffusion and confined ion pair dynamics from the incoherent spectral component by using the acidic proton as a tagged particle. The coherent contribution of the neutron spectra demonstrated substantial ion association leading to collective ion migration that preserves charge alteration on picosecond time scale, as well as correlation of the localized dynamics occurring between adjacent ions.