Interaction Of Cations Research Articles

Translational Dynamics of Cations and Anions in Ionic Liquids from NMR Field Cycling Relaxometry: Highlighting the Importance of Heteronuclear Contributions.

NMR field cycling relaxometry is a powerful method for determining the rotational and translational dynamics of ions, molecules, and dissolved particles. This is in particular true for ionic liquids (ILs) in which both ions carry NMR sensitive nuclei. In the IL triethylammonium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide ([TEA][NTf2]), there are 1H nuclei at the [TEA]+ cations and 19F nuclei at the [NTf2]- anions. Moreover, the high viscosity of this IL leads to frequency-dependent relaxation rates, leaving the so-called extreme narrowing regime. Both the rotational and the translational dynamics of the constituents of ILs can be obtained by separating the contributions of intra- and intermolecular relaxation rates. In particular, the translational dynamics can be obtained separately by applying the so-called "low-frequency approach" (LFA), utilizing the fact that the change in the total relaxation rates at low frequencies results solely from translational motions. However, for systems containing multiple NMR active nuclei, heteronuclear interactions can also affect their relaxation rates. For [TEA][NTf2], the intermolecular relaxation rate is either the sum of 1H-1H cation-cation and 1H-19F cation-anion interactions or the sum of 19F-19F anion-anion and 19F-1H anion-cation interactions. Due to the lack of available experimental information, the 1H-19F heteronuclear intermolecular contribution has often been neglected in the past, assuming it to be negligible. Employing a suitable set of ILs and by making use of isotopic H/D substitution, we show that the 1H-19F heteronuclear intermolecular contribution in fact cannot be neglected and that the LFA cannot be applied to the total 1H and total 19F relaxation rates.

Lone Pair Induced 1D Character and Weak Cation-Anion Interactions: Two Ingredients for Low Thermal Conductivity in Mixed-Anion Metal Chalcohalide CuBiSCl2.

Mixed-anion compounds, which incorporate multiple types of anions into materials, display tailored crystal structures and physical/chemical properties, garnering immense interest in various applications such as batteries, catalysis, photovoltaics, and thermoelectrics. However, detailed studies regarding correlations among crystal structure, chemical bonding, and thermal/vibrational properties are rare for these compounds, which limits the exploration of mixed-anion compounds for associated thermal applications. In this work, we investigate the lattice dynamics and thermal transport properties of the metal chalcohalide, CuBiSCl2. A high-purity polycrystalline CuBiSCl2 sample exhibits a low lattice thermal conductivity (κL) of 0.9-0.6 W/(m·K) from 300 to 573 K. By combining various experimental techniques, including three-dimensional (3D) electron diffraction, with theoretical calculations, we elucidate the origin of low κL in CuBiSCl2. The stereochemical activity of the 6s2 lone pair of Bi3+ favors an asymmetric environment with neighboring anions involving both short and long bond lengths. This particularity often implies weak bonding, low structure dimensionality, and strong anharmonicity, leading to a low κL. In addition, the strong 2-fold linear S-Cu-S coordination with weak Cu···Cl interactions induces a large anisotropic vibration of Cu, which enables strong phonon-phonon scattering and decreases κL. The investigations into lattice dynamics and thermal transport properties of CuBiSCl2 broaden the scope of the existing mixed-anion compounds suitable for the associated thermal applications, offering a new avenue for the search for low thermal conductivity materials in low-cost mixed-anion compounds.

Unexpected bell-shaped double layer capacitance promoted by nitrate anions at a-CNx / aqueous electrolyte interface and simulated with the lattice-gas model

Amorphous carbon nitride thin fims, a-CNx, are potentially low cost candidates for electrochemical nitrate treatment by comparison to boron doped diamond electrodes. In aqueous media, a-CNx electrodes are characterized by a large potential window and, in acidic pH solutions, no surface charge capacitive contribution. In perchloric acid at pH 1, nitrate reduction occurs at the negative limit of a potential domain without any significant redox reaction over almost 1 Volt. In this domain, in the presence of a nitrate salt, a bell-shaped behaviour was observed for the interfacial capacitance. Differences were evidenced according to the solvation state of the cations (Na+, K+, Li+, Cs+, (CH3)4N+, (C2H5)4N+), depending on the cation size. Experimental capacitance data were simulated by using the phenomenological theory developed by Kornyshev in the case of ionic liquids. A good agreement was obtained assuming a compact layer in series with the highly structured diffuse layer and taking into account the short-range ion-ion interactions. Thus, at the a-CNx/aqueous electrolyte interface, nitrate anions are engaged into strong anion-cation interactions (ion pairing) especially with small sized cations, leading to nitrate anion trapping in the multilayered interfacial region with a possible negative effect on the nitrate ions electroreduction.

Ionic Liquids-Induced Recovery of the G-Quadruplex DNA Destabilized by Dodine Fungicide.

Dodine is an important surfactant-based chemical fungicide used widely to kill fungi associated with black spot and foliar diseases on several fruit plants, such as apples, pears, peaches, and strawberries. However, the extensive use of dodine depicts the genotoxic effect, which may cause gene-associated diseases. Dodine can destabilize G-quadruplex (G4) DNA, which is one of the key targets for cancer therapy. Hence, finding an eco-friendly medium that can reduce or reverse the destabilization effect of dodine on G4 is important. This study investigates the efficacy of ionic liquids (ILs) containing a 1,1,3,3-tetramethyl guanidinium (TMG) cation with various anions (chloride, acetate, trifluoroacetate, octanoate, and perfluorooctanoate) in restoring the structure and stability of G4 induced by dodine. Our findings demonstrate that all ILs effectively reverse dodine-induced destabilization of G4, with the required concentration varying based on the lipophilicity of IL's anions. Specifically, higher concentrations of TMG-chloride and TMG-acetate are needed compared to TMG-perfluorooctanoate for the same effect. The IL anions remove dodine from G4 binding sites, while the TMG cation's interaction with G4 mitigates the destabilizing effect of dodine. This study indicates that ILs can be an eco-friendly medium for the storage of dodine to reverse the effect of dodine on G4.

Dihydroxyl-Cooperative 1,2,4-Triazole-Based Ionic Liquid for Robust Reversible CO2 Absorption.

The development of aqueous absorbents for CO2 capture is significantly important to reduce global industrial gas emissions through high regeneration efficiency and low energy consumption. Herein, we newly designed and prepared a dihydroxylated ionic liquid (IL) bis(2-hydroxyethyl)dimethylammonium 1,2,4-triazole ([N1,1,2OH,2OH][TZ]) for highly efficient CO2 absorption through anion-cation cooperative interactions. A superior capacity of 1.33 mol of CO2 per mol of IL and excellent reversibility have been achieved by the introduction of dihydroxy sites on the ammonium-based Tz IL. 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance, Fourier transform infrared, and quantum chemical calculations demonstrate bihydroxyl-cooperative absorption of CO2 via hydrogen bond interaction between the cation and anion of the IL. The theory calculation shows that IL displays a superlow reactive absorption enthalpy, favorable to the reversible CO2 absorption, which can maintain an initial absorption capacity of 98.5% with the cycle numbers of 100, implying the facile regeneration and superlow energy consumption. Thus, the functionalized ILs toward group cooperative gas absorption and excellent reversibility may open a door to designing new materials for enhancing CO2 absorption and utilization.

A new derivative of 1-allyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride as ionic liquid compound: Synthesis, physical properties and DFT studies

This study aimed to improve the physical properties of 1-allyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (AMIMCl) by synthesizing a new derivative, 1-allyl-2-hydroxymethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (AHMMIMCl). The synthesized AHMMIMCl was characterized using FT-IR, 1HNMR, 13CNMR, TGA, and DSC techniques, and its physical and computational properties were compared with those of AMIMCl. Experimentally, AHMMIMCl exhibited a lower viscosity (Δη =267.57 cP), a significantly reduced melting point (ΔT =∼100 °C), and lower conductivity (Δσmax=30.72 mS.cm−1 at 25 °C). The stable geometries of the cations, ion-pairs, and dimer structures were estimated employing DFT methods. The nature of the cation–anion interaction was analyzed by the natural bond orbital (NBO) and electrostatic potential (ESP) analyses. The physical properties of the newly synthesized compound are found to be in agreement with DFT calculations. Additionally, the new derivative demonstrated enhanced viscosity and melting point compared to the parent compound (AMIMCl), with no significant alteration observed in the hydrogen bond length within the anion-cation interaction. These results indicate the potential applicability of the new product as a substitute for AMIMCl.

Dissociation role on the catalytic activity of organic halides in CO2 conversion to cyclic carbonates: Experimental and computational study

There is a limited number of systematic CO2 conversion studies that provide a clear understanding of the effect of the active sites of catalysts. Hence, this work examines the catalytic activity of 24 organic salts consisting of chloride, bromide or iodide anions and imidazolium, ammonium, or phosphonium-based cations, in the synthesis of hexylene and styrene carbonates from CO2, resulting in a diverse range of yields. The findings revealed that high yields depend heavily on catalyst solubility in the reaction medium, but solubility alone does not guarantee reaction success. This finding supports the new hypothesis that catalyst dissociation, reliant on solubility, is a critical factor in defining the catalytic activity. A strong correlation was observed between carbonate yields and the dissociation constants of catalysts, calculated using the COSMO-RS method. This suggests that greater dissociation, reflecting weaker cation-anion interactions, facilitates the anion nucleophilic attack on the epoxide. Also, the relationship between calculated dissociation constant and experimental ionic conductivity was successfully validated. This highlights the significance of organic salt dissociation on catalytic performance and validates the use of computational tools to predict key operational parameters, enhancing the understanding and optimization of CO2 conversion into cyclic carbonates.

In situ generation of (sub) nanometer pores in MoS2 membranes for ion-selective transport

Ion selective membranes are fundamental components of biological, energy, and computing systems. The fabrication of solid-state ultrathin membranes that can separate ions of similar size and the same charge with both high selectivity and permeance remains a challenge, however. Here, we present a method, utilizing the application of a remote electric field, to fabricate a high-density of (sub)nm pores in situ. This method takes advantage of the grain boundaries in few-layer polycrystalline MoS2 to enable the synthesis of nanoporous membranes with average pore size tunable from <1 to ~4 nm in diameter (with in situ pore expansion resolution of ~0.2 nm2 s−1). These membranes demonstrate selective transport of monovalent ions (K+, Na+ and Li+) as well as divalent ions (Mg2+ and Ca2+), outperforming existing two-dimensional material nanoporous membranes that display similar total permeance. We investigate the mechanism of selectivity using molecular dynamics simulations and unveil that the interactions between cations and the sluggish water confined to the pore, as well as cation-anion interactions, result in the different transport behaviors observed between ions.

Unusually Large Ligand Field Splitting in Anionic Europium(III) Complexes Induced by a Small Imidazolic Counterion.

Luminescent trivalent lanthanide (Ln3+) complexes are compounds of technological interest due to their unique photophysical properties, particularly anionic tetrakis complexes, given their higher stability and emission quantum yields. However, structural studies on the cation-anion interaction in these complexes and the relation of such to luminescence are still lacking. Herein, the cation-anion interactions in two luminescent anionic tetrakis(2-thenoyltrifluoroacetonato)europate(III) complexes with alkylimidazolium cations, specifically 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium are investigated. The Eu3+ complexes were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, mass spectrometry, and single-crystal X-ray crystallography, and their luminescence spectra were recorded at 77 K. Quantum chemical calculations were also performed. X-ray crystallography revealed hydrogen bonds between the enolate ligands and imidazolium ring hydrogens. The 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium complex had two crystallographic Eu3+ sites, also confirmed by luminescence spectroscopy. The 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium complex exhibited an unusual 300 cm-1 splitting in the 5D0 → 7F1 transition, as reproduced by ligand field calculations, suggesting a stronger hydrogen bonding due to the smaller substituent. We hypothesize that this strong bonding likely causes angular distortions, resulting in high ligand field splittings.

Effect of Electrolyte Composition over CO2 Reduction

The rapid utilization of fossil fuels escorted by an excess of CO2 emissions has led to global energy and environmental crisis. Therefore, the necessity for a clean, renewable and sustainable source of energy is a growing concern for the present and future society. In this regard, economically viable CO2 reduction would be a critical turnover in research, as it has the potential to fulfil a substantial need for clean energy. However, even though many efforts have been done in this field, there is still room for improvements concerning efficiency, material stability, and catalytic enhancement in regard of kinetics and selectivity. Herein, we provide the experimental proof for enhancement of the CO2 reduction efficiency and selectivity from the SEI (semiconductor-electrolyte interface) side through the use of carbonates, borates, sulphates and alkali cations as the electrolyte as well as an overview of the latest developments on Cu2O based PEC CO2 reduction for solar fuel production. Cu2O is a low-cost semiconductor and one of the most promising candidates for PEC CO2RR. However, its stability and performance is still unsatisfactory, thus the CO2 reduction products vary from one investigated system to another, such as: CH3OH, CO, HCOOH, CH3COOH, and CH3CH2OH. Moreover, the instability of Cu2O causes it, to be rarely used for the routine CO2 reduction reaction. In this paper, we use a very facile electrodeposition method, which offers a high level of reproducibility and the possibility of using a new electrode in each experiment, in order to focus our efforts on following the phenomena occurring in the double layer during the photocatalytic run. In this way, we were able to correlate the final CO2RR performance with a reorganization of the cations and anions near the photocatalyst surface. It is shown in the literature that factors such as: carbonate concentration, local pH, the presence of alkali metal cations, the geometry of the anionic group, CO2 solubility, conductivity, as well as pH changes along with the number of H+ in the electrolyte, play a significant role in regulating the partial CO2RR current. In this paper, we would like to shed new light on the influence of the electrolyte composition, cation-anion interaction and local reaction environment around the catalyst on the performance of CO2RR. We found out that the specific interaction between the alkali cation and the anionic group of particular geometry contributes to the formation of a kind of a “rigid layer” within the double diffusion, close to the photocatalyst surface layer, which accounts more for an apparent CO2RR current than the decrease in the finite Warburg element, which is a central key parameter for the diffusion coefficient values. The effectiveness of the strength of the cation-anion interaction in the formation of the “rigid layer” around the photocatalyst surface is found to increase the PEC CO2RR performance. Elucidating this mechanism provides useful information for creating further experimental design and the new pathways for addressing highly efficient PEC CO2RR systems. The authors have noticed a significant knowledge gap in the existing literature, as no prior publications have delved into the concurrent and combined impact of both cations and anions on PEC CO2RR. In this pioneering publication, we present the inaugural investigation of this this intricate phenomenon.

Electrochemical stability of low viscosity ion-pair electrolytes: Structure and interaction in quaternary ammonium-based Ionic liquid containing bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide anion and analogue

Quaternary ammonium-based ionic liquids (QAIL) consist of an aliphatic cation and possess characteristic properties different from those of aromatic (like imidazolium) with extensive cited applications. The redox stability of QA cations has attractively nominated them to achieve static and dynamic electrochemical phenomena. Herein, we investigated the influence of various anions (bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide [FSI]− and bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide [NTf2]−) on the structure, electronic, and electrochemical properties of low-viscosity ILs comprising QA cation (triethylpentyl ammonium [N2225]+) by employing highly versatile empirical exchange-correlation functional M06–2X in the context of density functional theory (DFT). The electronic structure, cation-anion interaction energy, dipole moment, cation-anion charge transfer, cathodic and anodic potential boundaries, electrochemical window (ECW), and density of state (DOS) were calculated and discussed. Liquid state studied by polarizable continuum model (PCM). The thermodynamics cycle method, an alternative to HOMO/LUMO method, was used to predict ECW's more realistic. ECWs for [N2225][FSI] ≥ [N2225][NTf2] were found to be wider than the experimental imidazolium counterpart by about two volts. [FSI]− anion is overwhelmingly involved in charge transfer with the cation compared to [NTf2]−. The more redox-stable [N2225][FSI] IL is expected to have less corrosive effects with metal electrodes because the anion (1) cis conformer takes a particular orientation relative to the cation, (2) has a higher charge transfer, and (3) F's atoms have a higher occupation number than [N2225][NTf2] IL. Therefore, these results provide insight for further investigation to expand the electrochemical application of redox-stable aliphatic QAILs involving the two targeted anions.

Aurophilic interactions in luminescent, box-like or partial helical cations formed from bis(2-diphenylphosphinoethyl)phenylphosphine (Triphos) and gold(I) ions

Two luminescent salts, [Au6(Triphos)4Au(CN)2](CF3SO3)5·5CH2Cl2·C6H5CH3 (1) and [Au6(Triphos)4](PF6)6·2CH2Cl2·6C6H5CH3·H2O (2) where Triphos is bis(2-diphenyl-phosphinoethyl)phenylphosphine have been prepared from non-luminescent precursors. The luminescence in each salt results from aurophilic interactions between two or three gold(I) ions. Crystals of [Au6(Triphos)4Au(CN)2](CF3SO3)5·5CH2Cl2·C6H5CH3 (1) contain a box-like structure with an [Au(CN)2]− ion suspended between two gold(I) ions in the box. Crystals of [Au6(Triphos)4](PF6)6·2CH2Cl2·6C6H5CH3·H2O (2) contain a partial helical structure with pairs of gold(I) ions closely connected and surrounded by helical Ph2PCH2CH2PPh-units from two Triphos ligands.

Synthesis, structural studies and Hirshfeld surface analysis of 2-[(4-phenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)methyl]pyridin-1-ium hexa-kis-(nitrato-κ2 O,O')thorate(IV).

Reaction of thorium(IV) nitrate with 2-[(4-phenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)meth-yl]pyridine (L) yielded (LH)2[Th(NO3)6] or (C14H13N4)2[Th(NO3)6] (1), instead of the expected mixed-ligand complex [Th(NO3)4 L 2], which was detected in the mass spectrum of 1. In the structure, the [Th(NO3)6]2- anions display an icosa-hedral coordination geometry and are connected by LH+ cations through C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds. The LH+ cations inter-act via N-H⋯N hydrogen bonds. Hirshfeld surface analysis indicates that the most important inter-actions are O⋯H/H⋯O hydrogen-bonding inter-actions, which represent a 55.2% contribution.

Designing Advanced Electrolytes for High-Safety and Long-Lifetime Sodium-Ion Batteries via Anion-Cation Interaction Modulation.

Safety hazards caused by flammable electrolytes have been major obstacles to the practical application of sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). The adoption of nonflammable all-phosphate electrolytes can effectively improve the safety of SIBs; however, traditional low-concentration phosphate electrolytes are not compatible with carbon-based anodes. Herein, we report an anion-cation interaction modulation strategy to design low-concentration phosphate electrolytes with superior physicochemical properties. Tris(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl) phosphate (TFEP) is introduced as a cosolvent to regulate the ion-solvent-coordinated (ISC) structure through enhancing the anion-cation interactions, forming the stable anion-induced ISC (AI-ISC) structure, even at a low salt concentration (1.22 M). Through spectroscopy analyses and theoretical calculations, we reveal the underlying mechanism responsible for the stabilization of these electrolytes. Impressively, both the hard carbon (HC) anode and Na4Fe2.91(PO4)2(P2O7) (NFPP) cathode work well with the developed electrolytes. The designed phosphate electrolyte enables Ah-level HC//NFPP pouch cells with an average Coulombic efficiency (CE) of over 99.9% and a capacity retention of 84.5% after 2000 cycles. In addition, the pouch cells can operate in a wide temperature range (-20 to 60 °C) and successfully pass rigorous safety testing. This work provides new insight into the design of the electrochemically compatibility electrolyte for high-safety and long-lifetime SIBs.

Insights into oxidovanadium (3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl) porphyrin: A comprehensive study of synthesis, crystal structure, Hirshfeld surface analysis and computational studies

The synthesis of Oxidovanadium 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl) porphyrin [VO(T(OMe)3PP)], complex 1, was successfully achieved and its structure was confirmed through single crystal analysis. This analysis revealed a deformed octahedral structure caused by the vanadium cation's interaction with six components, which includes a vanadyl oxygen atom. It is interesting that an oxygen atom from a methanol solvent molecule was discovered to fill an axial position in the arrangement. Further investigation involved the use of fingerprint plots and Hirshfeld surface analysis with dnorm mapping of complex 1. Significantly, interactions like H⋯H (62.4 %), O⋯H (11.8 %)/H⋯O (10.4 %), and C⋯H (7.4 %)/H⋯C(5.9 %) were emphasized in the Hirshfeld surface analysis. In addition, the Density Functional Theory (DFT) investigations, shows the HOMO-LUMO energy gap determined through experimentation in solvent closely correlated with the theoretically calculated energy difference of 0.96 eV for complex 1. Finally, Molecular Electrostatic Potential (MEP) analysis were performed.

Carbon dioxide interaction with a series of ionic liquids consisting of fluorophenyltrifluoroborate anions studied by in situ ATR-FTIR spectroscopy

Fluorinated ionic liquids have new and unique properties by combining the properties of highly fluorinated compounds and ionic liquids. In this work, the interaction of CO2 with ionic liquids containing fluorophenyltrifluoroborate anions ([BMIM][C6H5BF3], [BMIM][4-F-C6H4BF3], [BMIM][C6F5BF3], [BMIM][4-BuO-C6F4BF3]) has been studied for the first time using high-pressure in situ ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. Analysis of the IR spectra of ionic liquids recorded under CO2 pressure showed disaggregation of alkyl groups and a slight decrease in cation–anion interaction, based on the appearance of a blue shift of absorption bands characteristic of stretching vibrations of CH bonds in alkyl groups, aromatic and imidazolium rings. It was found that fluorination of the phenyl group and introduction of a butoxy group significantly increased the solubility of CO2. The enthalpy and entropy of CO2 dissolution also increase with the increase of fluorine atoms in the anion. Theoretical calculations using the DFT method also showed an increase in the energy of interaction of CO2 with ionic liquids with an increase in the number of fluorine atoms. The use of an independent gradient model based on Hirshfeld partition (IGMH) analysis allowed the patterns of splitting of the CO2 bending ν2 mode to be explained. It was found that in this series of ionic liquids, the degree of the splitting of the CO2 bending mode depends on the contributions of the CO2 atoms to the interaction with the ionic liquid, rather than on the interaction energy.

Novel Wide-Working-Temperature NaNO3-KNO3-Na2SO4 Molten Salt for Solar Thermal Energy Storage.

A novel ternary eutectic salt, NaNO3-KNO3-Na2SO4 (TMS), was designed and prepared for thermal energy storage (TES) to address the issues of the narrow temperature range and low specific heat of solar salt molten salt. The thermo-physical properties of TMS-2, such as melting point, decomposition temperature, fusion enthalpy, density, viscosity, specific heat capacity and volumetric thermal energy storage capacity (ETES), were determined. Furthermore, a comparison of the thermo-physical properties between commercial solar salt and TMS-2 was carried out. TMS-2 had a melting point 6.5 °C lower and a decomposition temperature 38.93 °C higher than those of solar salt. The use temperature range of TMS molten salt was 45.43 °C larger than that of solar salt, which had been widened about 13.17%. Within the testing temperature range, the average specific heat capacity of TMS-2 (1.69 J·K-1·g-1) was 9.03% higher than that of solar salt (1.55 J·K-1·g-1). TMS-2 also showed higher density, slightly higher viscosity and higher ETES. XRD, FTIR and Raman spectra SEM showed that the composition and structure of the synthesized new molten salt were different, which explained the specific heat capacity increasing. Molecular dynamic (MD) simulation was performed to explore the different macroscopic properties of solar salt and TMS at the molecular level. The MD simulation results suggested that cation-cation and cation-anion interactions became weaker as the temperature increased and the randomness of molecular motion increased, which revealed that the interaction between the cation cluster and anion cluster became loose. The stronger interaction between Na-SO4 cation-anion clusters indicated that TMS-2 molten salt had a higher specific heat capacity than solar salt. The result of the thermal stability analysis indicated that the weight losses of solar salt and TMS-2 at 550 °C were only 27% and 53%, respectively. Both the simulation and experimental study indicated that TMS-2 is a promising candidate fluid for solar power generation systems.

Anion-Dependent Strength Scale of Interactions in Ionic Liquids from X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy, Ab Initio Molecular Dynamics, and Density Functional Theory.

Using a combination of experiments and calculations, we have gained new insights into the nature of anion-cation interactions in ionic liquids (ILs). An X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS)-derived anion-dependent electrostatic interaction strength scale, determined using XPS core-level binding energies for IL cations, is presented here for 39 different anions, with at least 18 new anions included. Linear correlations of experimental XPS core-level binding energies for IL cations with (a) calculated core binding energies (ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations were used to generate high-quality model IL structures followed by single-point density functional theory (DFT) to obtain calculated core binding energies), (b) experimental XPS core-level binding energies for IL anions, and (c) other anion-dependent interaction strength scales led to three main conclusions. First, the effect of different anions on the cation can be related to ground-state interactions. Second, the variations of anion-dependent interactions with the identity of the anion are best rationalized in terms of electrostatic interactions and not occupied valence state/unoccupied valence state interactions or polarizability-driven interactions. Therefore, the XPS-derived anion-dependent interaction strength scale can be explained using a simple electrostatic model based on electrostatic site potentials. Third, anion-probe interactions, irrespective of the identity of the probe, are primarily electrostatic, meaning that our electrostatic interaction strength scale captures some inherent, intrinsic property of anions independent of the probe used to measure the interaction strength scale.

Binding of Phosphate Species to Ca2+ and Mg2+ in Aqueous Solution.

Phosphate derivatives and their interaction with metal cations are involved in many important biological phenomena, so an accurate characterization of the phosphate-metal interaction is necessary to properly understand the role of phosphate-metal contacts in mediating biological function. Herein, we improved the standard 12-6 Lennard-Jones (LJ) potential via the usage of the 12-6-4 LJ model, which incorporates ion-induced dipole interactions. Via parameter scanning, we fine-tuned the 12-6-4 LJ polarizability values to obtain accurate absolute binding free energies for the phosphate anions H2PO4-, HPO42-, PO43- coordinating with Ca2+ and Mg2+. First, we modified the phosphate 12-6-4 LJ parameters to reproduce the solvation free energies of the series of phosphate anions using the thermodynamic integration (TI) method. Then, using the potential mean force (PMF) method, the polarizability of the metal-phosphate interaction was obtained. We show that the free energy profiles of phosphate ions coordinated to Ca2+ and Mg2+ generally show similar trends at longer metal-phosphate distances, while the absolute binding energy values increased with deprotonation. The resulting parameters demonstrate the flexibility of the 12-6-4 LJ-type nonbonded model and its usefulness in accurately describing cation-anion interactions.

CO2 absorption using two morpholine protic ionic liquids: measurement, model, and quantum chemical calculation

Two kinds of protic ionic liquids, N-methylmorpholinium formate ([NMMH][For]) and N-ethylmorpholinium formate ([NEMH][For]), were synthesized by the acid-base neutralization method. The solubility of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the two ionic liquids was measured at temperatures of 298.15 to 338.15 K and pressures of up to 900 kPa. The solubility increases linearly with pressure, indicating that CO2 is physically absorbed in ionic liquids. The solubility of CO2 in [NEMH][For] is higher than that of [NMMH][For]. Absorption behavior was investigated by thermodynamic properties, such as the Henry's law constant, partial molar Gibbs free energy, partial molar enthalpy, and partial molar entropy. The Pitzer's model and the Soave-Redlich-Kwong (SRK) cubic equation of state were used to fit the solubility data, respectively. The Pitzer's model is found to have better prediction accuracy. The interaction of two protic ionic liquids with CO2 was analyzed using quantum chemistry. The molecular mechanism of CO2 absorption by two protic ionic liquids was explained from the microscopic point of view. CO2 + [NEMH][For] has more hydrogen bonds and a higher interaction energy. The cation–anion interaction of [NEMH][For] diminishes in the presence of CO2, resulting in an increase in the cation–anion distance. These factors result in higher solubility of CO2 in [NEMH][For].