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Structure of Deep Eutectic Solvents (DESs): What We Know, What We Want to Know, and Why We Need to Know It

Journal Article · · Langmuir
We report deep eutectic solvents (DESs) are a tunable class of solvents with many advantageous properties including good thermal stability, facile synthesis, low vapor pressure, and low-to-negligible toxicity. DESs are composed of hydrogen bond donors and acceptors that, when combined, significantly decrease the freezing point of the resulting solvent. DESs have distinct interfacial and bulk structural heterogeneity compared to traditional solvents, in part due to various intramolecular and intermolecular interactions. Many of the physiochemical properties observed for DESs are influenced by structure. However, our understanding of the interfacial and bulk structure of DESs is incomplete. To fully exploit these solvents in a range of applications including catalysis, separations, and electrochemistry, a better understanding of DES structure must be obtained. In this Perspective, we provide an overview of the current knowledge of the interfacial and bulk structure of DESs and suggest future research directions to improve our understanding of this important information.
Research Organization:
Ames Laboratory (AMES), Ames, IA (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Science (SC), Basic Energy Sciences (BES). Chemical Sciences, Geosciences & Biosciences Division
Grant/Contract Number:
AC02-07CH11358
OSTI ID:
1899325
Report Number(s):
IS-J-10,933
Journal Information:
Langmuir, Journal Name: Langmuir Journal Issue: 46 Vol. 38; ISSN 0743-7463
Publisher:
American Chemical SocietyCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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