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At least 613 records · Page 34
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2023

Facile Strategy to Prepare Poly(ionic liquid)-Coated Solid Polymer Electrolytes through Layer-by-Layer Assembly

The inability of solid polymer electrolytes to preserve strong mechanical strength with high ionic conductivity hinders the commercialization of lithium metal batteries (LMBs). The success of fabricating layer-by-layer (LbL)-assembled electrolytes has realized the application of flexible solid polymer electrolytes in electrochemical devices. Here, we demonstrate a rational strategy to construct solid electrolytes coated with multiple ultrathin layers of polyanions (poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate)) and polycations (linear poly(1-butyl-3-(4-vinylbenzyl)-1H-imidazolium chloride) (BVIC)/linear poly(PEG 4 -VIC)/SiO 2 -g-poly(PEG 4 -VIC)) using an LbL assembly method. Poly(ionic liquid) backbones and PEG side groups are employed to facilitate the transport of lithium ions via the segmental motion of the macromolecular matrix. The fabricated free-standing membranes exhibited good ionic conductivities of 9.03–10 × 10 –4 S cm –1 . Furthermore, a Li/LiFePO 4 cell assembled with the LbL-membrane electrolytes exhibits an initial high discharge capacity of 143–158 mAhg –1 at 60 °C with high columbic efficiency. In conclusion, this approach, which combines polymer synthesis and LbL self-assembly, is an effective and facile route to fabricate solid polymer electrolyte membranes with superior ionic conductivity and mechanical robustness, which are useful for electrochemical devices and high-voltage battery applications.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2018

Cathodic Corrosion at the Bismuth-Ionic Liquid Electrolyte Interface under Conditions for CO 2 Reduction

Bismuth electrodes undergo distinctive electrochemically induced structural changes in nonaqueous imidazolium ([Im])(+))-based ionic liquid solutions under cathodic polarization. In situ X-ray reflectivity (XR) studies have been undertaken to probe well-ordered Bi (001) films which originally contain a native Bi 2 O 3 layer. This oxide layer gets reduced to Bi(0)during the first cyclic voltammetry (CV) scan in acetonitrile solutions containing 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium ([BMIM](+)) electrolytes. Approximately 60% of the Bi (001) Bragg peak reflectivity is lost during a potential sweep between -1.5 and -1.9 V vs Ag/AgCI due to a similar to 4-10% thinning and a similar to 40% decrease in lateral size of Bi (001) domains, which are mostly reversed during the anodic scan. Repeated potential cycling enhances the thinning and roughening of the films, suggesting that partial dissolution of Bi ensues during negative polarization. The mechanism of this behavior is understood through molecular dynamics simulations using ReaxFF and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Both approaches indicate that [Im] + cations bind to the metal surface more strongly than tetrabutylammonium (TBA + ) as the potential and the charge on the Bi surface become more negative. ReaxFF simulations predict a higher degree of disorder for a negatively charged Bi (001) slab in the presence of the [Im](+)cations and substantial migration of Bi atoms from the surface. DFT simulations show the formation of Bi center dot center dot center dot[Im] + complexes that lead to the dissolution of Bi atoms from step edges on the Bi (001) surface at potentials between -1.65 and -1.95 V. Bi desorption from a flat terrace requires a potential of approximately -2.25 V. Together, these results suggest the formation of a Bi center dot center dot center dot[Im] + complex through partial cathodic corrosion of the Bi film under conditions (potential and electrolyte composition) that favor the catalytic reduction of CO 2 .

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2026

Temperature-dependent changes in gas chromatographic separation metrics for trihexyl(tetradecyl)phosphonium-based ionic liquid stationary phases and comparison to conventional polysiloxane stationary phases

Here, to assess whether the trihexyl(tetradecyl)phosphonium chloride ([P 66614 + ][Cl - ]) ionic liquid (IL), employed as a gas chromatographic stationary phase, exhibits temperature-dependent phase transitions or structural heterogeneity, retention thermodynamics for probe molecules of varied chemical structure were investigated by gas chromatography (GC) over the temperature range of 25 to 64 °C using van’t Hoff analysis. All van’t Hoff plots for n-alkanes (C8–C12) and other probe analytes were linear, indicating the absence of detectable phase-transition behavior. The [P 66614 + ][Cl - ] IL was further compared with the [P 66614 + ] bis[(trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl]imide ([P 66614 + ][NTf 2 - ]) IL and commercial polysiloxane stationary phases in terms of temperature-dependent resolution behavior and chromatographic selectivity over the temperature range of 28–52 °C. The resolution factors of analytes in mixtures obtained using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and the summation of resolution values decreased smoothly with temperature on both IL stationary phases and on the dimethylphenylcyano-substituted polymeric stationary phase (OV-1701), whereas the poly(50% diphenyl/50% dimethyl siloxane) stationary phase (SPB-50) exhibited irregularities in its temperature-dependent summation of resolution profile, showing a distinct maximum in the temperature range of 34–40 °C. Selectivity values for the IL stationary phases were largely determined by the anion, with the [P 66614 + ][Cl - ] IL providing enhanced separation between polar and aromatic analytes, while the [P 66614 + ][NTf 2 - ] IL favored dispersive and π-π interactions that resulted in a reversal of elution order for some aliphatic–aromatic and alkyne-containing analyte pairs. Capillary columns prepared using different surface activation methods and coated with identical [P 66614 + ][Cl - ] IL stationary phase showed indistinguishable temperature-dependent trends in summation of resolution value and selectivity. An evaluation of analyte-specific selectivity provides insight into the characteristic separation behavior of the stationary phases and enables identification of analyte classes that are more efficiently separated on the [P 66614 + ]-based IL stationary phases compared to conventional stationary phase materials.

Chromatographic selectivity↗
DOE OSTI2019

Cooperatively enhanced hydrogen bonds in ionic liquids: closing the loop with molecular mimics of hydroxy-functionalized cations

Here, we address the cooperative hydrogen bonding interactions in play between the ionic constituents of ionic liquids (ILs) with particular attention to those involving the attractive interactions between two cations in the system 1-(2-hydroxyethyl)pyridinium tetrafluoroborate [HEPy][BF 4 ]. This is accomplished by comparing the temperature-dependent linear infrared spectra of [HEPy][BF 4 ] with that of the molecular mimic of its cation, 2-phenylethanol (PhenEthOH). We then explored the structural motifs of these H-bonded configurations at the molecular level by analyzing the cryogenic ion vibrational predissociation spectroscopy of cold (~35 K) gas phase cluster ions with quantum chemical methods. The analysis of the OH stretching bands reveals the formation of the various binding motifs ranging from the common +OH∙∙∙BF 4 - interaction in ion-pairs (c–a) to the unusual + OH∙∙∙ + OH interaction (c–c) in linear and cyclic, homodromic H-bonding domains. Replacing ion-pairs by the molecular (neutral) analogue of the IL cation also results in the formation of positively charged cyclic motifs, with the bands of the gas phase cationic cyclic tetramer (HEPy+)(PhenEthOH) 3 appearing quite close to those assigned previously to cyclic tetramers in the liquid. These conclusions are supported by density functional theory (DFT) calculations of the cationic and neutral clusters as well as the local structures in the liquid. Our combined experimental and theoretical approach for the gas and the liquid phases provides important insight into the competition between differently H-bonded and charged constituents in liquids.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2017

On the Use of Ionic Liquids for the Recycling of the Contaminated Material

Dealing with spent nuclear fuel (SNF) and other radioactive waste management is one of the main issues of the nuclear industry. Today, there is an increased demand for lower environmental affection and higher safety assurances within all industries dealing with radioactivity. The resulting increasing costs for dealing with radioactive waste, altogether with the pressure of public opinion, are strong motivation factors for the development of recycling schemes, softening the effects on the environment, and bringing economic advantages for the nuclear industry. This problem is even multiplied as a significant wave of decommissioning of nuclear facilities can be expected in the next decades and it makes the problem even more urgent. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development/Nuclear Energy Agency estimates that 400 nuclear power plants will have to be decommissioned between 2014 and 2050 and it will generate more than 5 million tons of radioactive scrap metal. If the decommissioning of other nuclear installations is taken into account, almost 30 million tons of scrap metal contaminated by radionuclides will need to be handled?1 According to an International Atomic Energy Agency report?2 during the nuclear facility decommissioning process, only 3 % of the material is considered contaminated, but costs for its disposal can make over 60 % of overall costs. In both of mentioned areas - SNF reprocessing and material decontamination - possible benefits of ionic liquids (ILs) are studied worldwide because of their interesting physical-chemical properties and chemical behavior. ILs (described as room-temperature molten salts in older literature) are commonly described as salts with organic cations associated with organic or inorganic anions that are liquid below 373 K and fully consisting of ions and offer advantages of nonaqueous processes like a safer environment because of substituting volatile and flammable organic solvents or less serious criticality issues. At the same time, ILs beat high-temperature molten salt in comparing energy costs. Also some other of ILs' unique properties are definitely attractive for areas of SNF reprocessing and solid waste decontamination. Among other major advantages of ionic liquids, negligible vapor pressure, non-flammability, chemical and mechanical stability, tunability as well as good electric conductivity or wide electrochemical window are usually being mentioned. In this contribution, the experimental verification of some principles needed for the development of the decontamination of material contaminated with uranium and europium are presented as model cases.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2019

Electroanalytical Investigation of the Electrode–Electrolyte Interface of Quaternary Ammonium Ionic Liquids: Impact of Alkyl Chain Length and Ether Functionality

The influence of ionic associations and potential-dependent interactions on the electrode–electrolyte interfacial structure of ionic liquids (ILs) is studied by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) for a variety of asymmetric quaternary ammonium ILs. Specifically, the impact of cation alkyl chain length (C = 4, 8 and 16) and ether functionality on the interfacial structuring of ILs at the glassy carbon electrode surface is examined. Ammonium cations with alkyl chain length of 8 and 16 carbons are found to stabilize the formation of the bis(trifluorosulfonyl)imide, [TFSI], anion dense Stern layer at positive electrode potentials leading to larger capacitances. The longer alkyl chain of the cation is believed to screen the ion–ion repulsion among the anions by intruding into the interfacial anion layer. SERS suggests the presence of carbon-containing rings at the interface at both positive and negative electrode potentials, which can be explained by the buckling of the long alkyl chains. Inclusion of an ether functionality allowed for more symmetry in the camel-shaped potential-dependent differential capacitance curves, suggesting similar excess ion density at both positive and negative potentials. This work contributes to understanding and predicting the interfacial electrode capacitance in ILs by understanding the balance of ionic interactions and the associated repulsions at electrode–electrolyte interfaces that are pertinent to electrochemical energy storage, electrocatalysis, and electrochemical sensors.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2022

Quantifying the anion effect of gas solubility within ionic liquids using the solvation affinity index

The solubility of gas molecules within ionic liquids (ILs) is strongly dictated by the anion effect and the free volume effect, and of these two influences, the anion effect can be challenging to predict. We evaluate a wide range of different gas solutes (O 2 , NH 3 , CH 4 , H 2 S, SO 2 , Ar, H 2 , N 2 , CO 2 ) in different ILs, and we find that the solubility is strongly correlated to one of three different IL properties, which can be directly calculated from the anion electrostatic potential (ESP) surfaces. Thus, the solutes can be grouped into three fundamental types, leading to a general descriptor, the solvation affinity index (SAI), which can identify the affinity between a wide range of gas solutes and IL solvents. The SAI of nine common industrial gases with 47 common anions are generated. Furthermore, this can provide a fast approach for pre-screening IL solvents or even for ILs embedded within porous supports.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2015

Hormetic effect of ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate on bacteria

The biological effect of ionic liquids (ILs) is one of the highly debated topics as they are being contemplated for various industrial applications. 1-ethyl-2-methylimidazolium acetate ([EMIM][Ac]) showed remarkable hormesis on anaerobic Clostridium sp. and aerobic Psueudomonas putida. Bacterial growth was stimulated at up to 2.5 g L -1 and inhibited at > 2.5 g L -1 of ([EMIM][Ac]). The growth of Clostridium sp. and P. putida were higher by 0.4 and 4-fold respectively, in the presense of 0.5 g L -1 of ([EMIM][Ac]). Assessment of the effect of [EMIM][Ac] under different growth conditions showed that the hormesis of [EMIM][Ac] was mediated via regulation of medium pH. Hormetic effect of [EMIM][Ac] was evident only in medium with poor buffering capacity and in the presence of a fermentable substrate as the carbon source. The hormetic effect of [EMIM][Ac] on bacterial growth is most likely associated with the buffering capacity of acetate anion. These observations have implications in ILs toxicity studies and ecological risk assessment.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2023

The Role of the Anion in Imidazolium-Based Ionic Liquids for Fuel and Terpenes Processing

The potentialities of methylimidazolium-based ionic liquids (ILs) as solvents were evaluated for some relevant separation problems—terpene fractionation and fuel processing—studying selectivities, capacities, and solvent performance indices. The activity coefficients at infinite dilution of the solute (1) in the IL (3), γ13∞, of 52 organic solutes were measured by inverse gas chromatography over a temperature range of 333.2–453.2 K. The selected ILs are 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate, [C4mim][PF6], and the equimolar mixture of [C4mim][PF6] and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride, [C4mim]Cl. Generally, low polar solutes follow γ1,C4mimCl∞ > γ1,C4mimPF6+C4mimCl∞ > γ1,C4mimPF6∞ while the opposite behavior is observed for alcohols and water. For citrus essential oil deterpenation, the results suggest that cations with long alkyl chains, such as C12mim+, promote capacity, while selectivity depends on the solute polarity. Promising results were obtained for the separation of several model mixtures relevant to fuel industries using the equimolar mixture of [C4mim][PF6] and [C4mim]Cl. This work demonstrates the importance of tailoring the polarity of the solvents, suggesting the use of ILs with mixed anions as alternative solvents for the removal of aliphatic hydrocarbons and contaminants from fuels.

Zambom, Aline (ORCID:0000000324512716)↗
DOE OSTI2016

Enrichment of microbial communities tolerant to the ionic liquids tetrabutylphosphonium chloride and tributylethylphosphonium diethylphosphate

Our aims were to identify thermophilic microbial communities that degrade green waste in the presence of the ionic liquids (IL) tetrabutylphosphonium chloride and tributylethylphosphonium diethylphosphate and examine preservation methods for IL-tolerant communities. High-solids incubations with stepwise increases in IL concentration were conducted to enrich for thermophilic IL-tolerant communities that decomposed green waste. 16S rRNA sequencing of enriched communities revealed microorganisms capable of tolerating high levels of IL. Furthermore, cryogenic preservation of enriched communities reduced the IL tolerance of the community and decreased the relative abundance of IL-tolerant organisms. The use of cryoprotectants did not have an effect on microbial activity on green waste of the stored community. A successful approach was developed to enrich communities that decompose green waste in thermophilic high-solids environments in the presence of IL. Alternative community storage and revival methods are necessary for maintenance and recovery of IL-tolerant communities. The enriched communities provide a targeted source of enzymes for the bioconversion of IL-pretreated green waste for conversion to biofuels.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2016

Ionic Liquid Activation of Amorphous Metal-Oxide Semiconductors for Flexible Transparent Electronic Devices

To begin this abstract, amorphous metal-oxide semiconductors offer the high carrier mobilities and excellent large-area uniformity required for high performance, transparent, flexible electronic devices; however, a critical bottleneck to their widespread implementation is the need to activate these materials at high temperatures which are not compatible with flexible polymer substrates. The highly controllable activation of amorphous indium gallium zinc oxide semiconductor channels using ionic liquid gating at room temperature is reported. Activation is controlled by electric field-induced oxygen migration across the ionic liquid-semiconductor interface. In addition to activation of unannealed devices, it is shown that threshold voltages of a transistor can be linearly tuned between the enhancement and depletion modes. Finally, the first ever example of transparent flexible thin film metal oxide transistor on a polyamide substrate created using this simple technique is demonstrated. Finally, this study demonstrates the potential of field-induced activation as a promising alternative to traditional postdeposition thermal annealing which opens the door to wide scale implementation into flexible electronic applications.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2018

Synthesis and application of a metal ion coordinating ionic liquid monomer: Towards size and dispersity control of nanoparticles formed within a structured polyelectrolyte

Here, the design, synthesis, and characterization of an amphiphilic ionic liquid (IL) monomer possessing a transition metal coordinating acrylamide moiety is described. Incorporation of the acrylamide moiety is achieved by converting l-histidine into an imidazolium, followed by alkylation to introduce a decyl chain, and acrylation of the α-amino group. The acrylamide containing IL monomer and a co-monomer, poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA M n 575), self-assembles into a weakly ordered 2D hexagonal lyotropic mesophase in water (34 ± 2 (w/w)%). Upon photo-irradiation of the mesophase a nanostructured polyelectrolyte retaining the 2D hexagonal structure is produced. Doping the mesophase with Au 3+ ions prior to photo-irradiation produces plasmonic Au NP copolymer composites only at a threshold mole ratio of IL monomer to gold ions (i.e., onset at 1740:1 mole ratio). At higher monomer to Au 3+ mole ratios plasmonic NPs are not formed. Evaluation of the in-situ synthesized plasmonic Au NPs by SAXS and optical spectroscopy indicate they are smaller, more uniform spherical particles that resist aggregation upon swelling and de-swelling in ethanol when compared to previously reported composites employing an IL monomer that lacks a metal ion coordination site (e.g., 3-decyl-1-vinylimidazolium IL).

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2020

Oil miscible phosphonium-phosphate ionic liquid as novel antiwear and antipitting additive for low-viscosity rear axle lubricants

Here we explored the feasibility of using a phosphonium phosphate ionic liquid as a candidate anti-wear and anti-pitting additive for rear axle lubricant. This particular IL was first added to a VHVI8 base oil at 2–3% concentration and demonstrated effective surface protection for wear and micro-cracking under rolling-sliding contacts. The promising results directed to a step further to produce a series of IL-containing low-viscosity (about a half of SAE 75W-90) fully formulated gear oils. Selected IL-containing experimental oils showed superior mitigation of rolling contact fatigue to a commercial SAE 75W-90 gear oil in bench-scale rolling-sliding tests. Full-scale hub dynamometer tests were then conducted and demonstrated more than 3% power output and torque generation for an IL-containing low-viscosity gear oil benchmarked against commercial baselines.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

Ionic liquids as lubricant additives: A review

In pursuit of energy efficiency and durability throughout human history, advances in lubricants have always played important roles. Ionic liquids (ILs) are room-temperature molten salts that possess unique physicochemical properties and have shown great potential in many applications with lubrication as one of the latest. While earlier work (2001–2011) primarily explored the feasibility of using ILs as neat or base lubricants, using ILs as lubricant additives has become the new focal research topic since the breakthrough in ILs’ miscibility in nonpolar hydrocarbon oils in early 2012. This work reviews the recent advances in developing ILs as additives for lubrication with an attempt to correlate among the cationic and anionic structures, oil-solubility, and other relevant physicochemical properties, and lubricating behavior. Effects of the concentration of ILs in lubricants and the compatibility between ILs and other additives in the lubricant formulation on the tribological performance are described followed by a discussion of wear protection mechanism based on tribofilm characterization. As a result, future research directions are suggested at the end.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2018

X-ray-Induced Fragmentation of Imidazolium-Based Ionic Liquids Studied by Soft X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy

In this work, we investigated the X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) fingerprint of EMImTFSI ionic liquid (IL) and its fragmentation products created by X-ray irradiation. To accomplish this, we used an open geometry where an IL droplet is directly exposed in the vacuum chamber and an enclosed geometry where the IL is confined in a cell covered by an X-ray transparent membrane. In the open geometry, the XAS signature was stable and consistent with experimental and theoretical spectra reported in the literature. In contrast, when the IL is enclosed, its XAS evolves continuously under X-ray illumination due to the accumulation of volatile fragmentation products inside the closed cell, while they evaporate in the open geometry. The changes in the XAS from the core levels of relevant elements (C, N, S, F) together with density functional theory calculations allowed us to identify the chemical nature of the fragment products and the chemical bonds most vulnerable to rupture under soft X-ray irradiation.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2014

Ionic Liquid–Solute Interactions Studied by 2D NOE NMR Spectroscopy

Intermolecular interactions between a Ru²⁺(bpy)₃ solute and the anions and cations of four different ionic liquids (ILs) are investigated by 2D NMR nuclear Overhauser effect (NOE) techniques, including {¹H-¹⁹F} HOESY and {¹H-¹H} ROESY. Four ILs are studied, each having the same bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)amide anion in common. Two of the ILs have aliphatic 1-alkyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium cations, while the other two ILs have aromatic 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium cations. ILs with both shorter (butyl) and longer (octyl or decyl) cationic alkyl substituents are studied. NOE NMR results suggest that the local environment of IL anions and cations near the Ru²⁺(bpy)₃ solute is rather different from the bulk IL structure. The solute-anion and solute-cation interactions are significantly different both for ILs with short vs long alkyl tails and for ILs with aliphatic vs aromatic cation polar head groups. In particular, the solute-anion interactions are observed to be about 3 times stronger for the cations with shorter alkyl tails relative to the ILs with longer alkyl tails. The Ru²⁺(bpy)₃ solute interacts with both the polar head and the nonpolar tail groups of the 1- butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium cation but only with the nonpolar tail groups of the 1-decyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium cation.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2016

Current rectification for transport of room-temperature ionic liquids through conical nanopores

Here, we studied the transport of room-temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) through charged conical nanopores using a Landau-Ginzburg-type continuum model that takes steric effect and strong ion-ion correlations into account. When the surface charge is uniform on the pore wall, weak current rectification is observed. When the charge density near the pore base is removed, the ionic current is greatly suppressed under negative bias voltage while nearly unchanged under positive bias voltage, thereby leading to enhanced current rectification. These predictions agree qualitatively with prior experimental observations, and we elucidated them by analyzing the different components of the ionic current and the structural changes of electrical double layers (EDLs) at the pore tip under different bias voltages and surface charge patterns. These analyses reveal that the different modifications of the EDL structure near the pore tip by the positive and negative bias voltages cause the current rectification and the observed dependence on the distribution of surface charge on the pore wall. The fact that the current rectification phenomena are captured qualitatively by the simple model originally developed for describing EDLs at equilibrium conditions suggests that this model may be promising for understanding the ionic transport under nonequilibrium conditions when the EDL structure is strongly perturbed by external fields.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗