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Title: Dynamics of a room temperature ionic liquid under applied pressure

Journal Article · · Chemical Physics

We report that room temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) have shown great potential in a wide range of applications, especially as novel electrolytes for energy generation. Understanding microscopic dynamics under variable environmental conditions provides critical knowledge of the microscopic interactions in RTILs, which are closely linked to their functionality. Here, we investigate a response of a RTIL, EmimTFSI, to application of a high pressure, up to 1.0 GPa, using quasi-elastic neutron scattering, Raman and X-ray scattering. The ionic liquid transitions from a liquid to a solid state at above ~0.5 GPa and returns to its liquid state following full decompression. However, following such pressure application, the resulting liquid no longer possesses either cations, or anions, as individual entities, as evident from quasi-elastic scattering and Raman scattering results, respectively. We suggest that a possible cause for this behavior could be dimerization of ions, which needs to be considered when designing RTILs for moderate high-pressure applications.

Research Organization:
Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Science (SC), Basic Energy Sciences (BES) (SC-22); USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)
Grant/Contract Number:
AC05-00OR22725; NA0001974; AC02-06CH11357
OSTI ID:
1607280
Alternate ID(s):
OSTI ID: 1702179; OSTI ID: 1578226
Journal Information:
Chemical Physics, Journal Name: Chemical Physics Journal Issue: C Vol. 530; ISSN 0301-0104
Publisher:
ElsevierCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English