Synthesis and physioelectrochemical characterization of triethylammonium bisulphate ionic liquid and the role of the electrode surface oxides during ethanol oxidation

Abstract

A Protic ionic liquid (PIL), triethylammonium bisulphate (TEABS) was prepared and characterized by 1H NMR, FT-IR spectroscopy and TGA. The temperature dependence of the conductivity of the PIL follows the Arrhenius equation as the log σ vs. 1/T plot is linear. The ionic liquid has wide electrochemical window (EW) at both Au and Pt electrodes that decreased with increase in temperature and water concentration of the medium. Thick Pt and Au oxide layers were formed due to oxidation of water (2.06 wt%) in the PIL at different temperatures and at more positive potentials which catalyse ethanol oxidation in the PIL.