Sum frequency generation (SFG) spectroscopy is a nonlinear vibrational spectroscopic technique used in the study of interfaces, due to its unique ability to distinguish surface molecules that have preferential ordering compared to the isotropic bulk. Here, a series of alkyltrioctylphosphonium chloride ionic liquids, systematically varied by cation structure, were characterized at the air-liquid interface by SFG. The effect on surface structure resulting from molecular variation (i.e., addition of cyano-and methoxy-functional groups) of the cation alkyl chain was investigated. SFG spectra in the C− −H stretching region (2750-3100 cm 1) for [P 8 8 8 n ][Cl], where n = 4, 5, 8, 10, 12, or 14, showed characteristic changes as the alkyl chain length was increased. Spectral profiles for n = 4, 5, 8, or 10 appeared similar; however, when the fourth alkyl chain was sufficiently long (as in the case of n = 12 or n = 14), abrupt changes occurred in the spectra. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation of a slab of each ionic liquid (with n = 8, 10, or 12) confirmed gauche defects, with enhancement for the long alkyl chain and an abrupt increase of gauche occurrence from n = 8 to n = 10. A comparison of the tilt angle distribution from the simulation and the SFG analysis show a broad distribution of angles. Using experimental SFG spectra in conjunction with MD simulations, a comprehensive molecular picture at the surface of this unique class of liquids is presented.
Choice of ionic liquids (ILs) with [NTf 2 ] − versus [FSI] − (stability-promoting and fluidity-promoting, respectively) anions have recently attracted attention in different applications for issues related to inertness, conductivity, viscosity, electrode stability, and environmental hazards. We used molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and studied the spreading behavior of nanodroplets of quaternary ammonium-based ILs, triethylpentylammoniumbis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([N 2225 ][NTf 2 ]) and triethylpentylammoniumbis(fluorosulfonyl)imide ([N 2225 ][FSI]), on the electrochemically favorable Li metal substrate with (100) and (110) facets. The effect of the anion type and the facet type on the spreading and monolayer formation is well demonstrated by noting that only [N 2225 ][FSI] on Li(110), among others, spreads and forms a monolayer at room temperature (298 K) spontaneously within 1/2 time of the (long-time) simulation performed. The fourfold symmetry of the surface structure of the Li(100) facet introduces a barrier to the spreading at 298 K as compared to the rectangular symmetry of Li(110) facet. Correlation functions and density profiles of the monolayers confirm that the major difference in the properties of the two anions is related to the differences in the tendency of each anion F and O atoms toward the Li atom facets. The results of natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis indicate a higher anion−cation charge transfer in [N 2225 ][FSI]. The energy of binding of IL with the Li(110) surface is larger than Li(100) and is in the order of [N 2225 ][NTf 2 ] > [N 2225 ][FSI]. The lower surface density and higher surface roughness of the kinked Li(100) facet compared to Li( 110) is responsible for this. Furthermore, the more negative partial charges (and higher electron occupancy) of F's atoms in [FSI] − then in [NTf 2 ] − can make it potentially more reactive toward Li(100) upon spreading the IL, consistent with the observation in the literature. However, the less structural hindrance in [FSI] − than in [NTf 2 ] − may moderate such a reaction. According to simulations of the IL monolayer on (100) and (110) facets, the density of the layer immediate to the solid surface (resembling the Stern layer) is templated by the density and morphology of the solid surface, which especially makes the diffusion coefficient higher for [N 2225 ][FSI] IL and the highest on the Li(110) substrate.
The rechargeable Li-ion batteries (LIBs) are one of the green energy storage that has been utilized in large-scale devices. Hence, improving the LIBs performance play a crucial role in many...
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