Dynamics of Room Temperature Ionic Liquids

Dr. Johannes Hunger

Room temperature ionic liquids are compounds that are entirely composed of ions. In contrast to conventional salts like sodium chloride they are liquid at room temperature. These substances are promising substitutes for conventional solvents in chemical processes and electrochemical devices. Due to their low vapour pressure ionic liquids have negligible impact on the atmosphere and are thus environmentally friendly. However, information on the dynamical properties of ionic liquids is scarce. Such information is vital to understand the solvation dynamics, in order to fully exploit their technological potential. It is further essential to overcome some shortcomings of these substances, like e.g. their rather high viscosities.

Currently, we investigate the dynamics of the hydrogen-bonded structure in such molten salts. In particular we study the energy transport and rotational dynamics in ionic liquids on a molecular level. In particular we focus on salts that form strong and directional hydrogen-bonds, similar to liquid water.

1. M. Bešter-Rogač, A. Stoppa, J. Hunger, A. Stoppa, G. Hefter, and R. Buchner, Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 13, 17588 (2011).

2. O. Zech, J. Hunger, J. R. Sangoro, C. Iacob, F. Kremer, W. Kunz, and R. Buchner, Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 12, 14341 (2010).

3. D. Turton, J. Hunger, A. Stoppa, G. Hefter, A. Thoman, M. Walther, R. Buchner, and K. Wynne, J. Am. Chem. Soc., 131, 11140 (2009).

4. J. Hunger, A. Stoppa, G. Hefter, and R. Buchner, J. Phys. Chem. B, 113, 9527 (2009).

5. J. Hunger, A. Stoppa, S. Schrödle, G. Hefter, and R. Buchner, ChemPhysChem, 10, 723 (2009).

6. J. Hunger, A. Stoppa, G. Hefter, and R. Buchner, J. Phys. Chem. B, 112, 12913 (2008).