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Mucosal barriers are a natural defense system for preventing the entry of foreign objects into the body; however, they pose obstacles for effective drug delivery. Coated polymer nanoparticles (NPs) have been shown to possess improved rates of diffusion across mucus compared to their uncoated, or bare, counterparts. Choline carboxylic acid-based ionic liquids (ILs) are highly tunable and show high biocompatibility and mucus modulation properties, making them an ideal choice for the improvement of NP diffusion through mucosal barriers. This study aimed to investigate whether the use of choline-based ILs has a positive effect on the dispersibility of poly-(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), poly-(ethylene glycol) methyl ether-block-poly-(lactide-co-glycolide) (PEG–PLGA), and poly-(ethylene glycol)–poly-(lactic acid) (PEG–PLA) NPs through nasal mucus by using a multiple particle tracking method. The samples, according to the IL used, showed altered rates of diffusion in both aqueous and mucosal environments. The use of CA2HE 1:1 with PEG–PLGA NPs slowed NP diffusion, while the use of the same IL increased diffusion for PEG–PLA. Additionally, UV–vis spectroscopy was used to identify the possible formation of complexes between the mucin polymer and NPs. Circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy was used to analyze any potential changes in the secondary structure of mucin as a result of the introduction of polymeric NPs. It was demonstrated that the use of an IL can stabilize the interactions between polymer NPs and mucin polymers. Isothermal titration calorimetry was used to obtain quantitative measurement of the binding energies between NPs and mucus and serves to confirm the results obtained from CD spectroscopy. Last, an ex vivo porcine nasal mucosa model was used to explore their use in a nasal delivery context, disclosing a possible connection between the use of zwitterionic transport materials and more effective drug delivery. This research demonstrates the potential of choline carboxylic acid-based ILs to control the transport behavior of polymer NPs for intranasal drug delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taking advantage of the unique structural directionality of ionic liquids, we successfully synthesized highly concentrated gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in 1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (OMImCl) using tetrabutylammonium borohydride (TBABH4) as the reducing agent. It is a distinctly different approach, avoiding additional capping agents and producing spherical AuNPs of approximately 10 nm diameter at varying concentrations. To prevent nanoparticle aggregation during catalytic reactions and enhance catalyst reusability, these AuNPs were immobilized in cellulose films. The film fabrication involved blending each AuNP dispersion with microcrystalline cellulose dissolved in 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (BMImCl) and further water regeneration. Therefore, these films, containing up to 1.30% AuNPs, efficiently reduced 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) using sodium borohydride. Remarkably, the catalysts remained effective through five cycles without noticeable degradation. Compared to other methods, our catalysts displayed a higher turnover frequency (TOF), especially in films with lower gold content, due to their smaller particle size and uniform distribution. Our approach, avoiding the need for complex recovery processes typical of powder-based catalysts, offers an environmentally friendly, efficient, and reusable solution, emphasizing its potential for robust catalytic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The confinement of low-temperature ionic liquids (ILs) within nanoscale geometries presents a unique opportunity to explore their behavior under restricted conditions compared to that of the bulk phase. Here, we report the discovery of a breathing phenomenon and the consequential enhancement of the ionic conductivity observed in ILs subjected to nanoscale confinement. Our experimental and modeling experiment focuses on an IL confined within graphene oxide (GOIL) at temperatures ranging from 253 to 293 K. A surprising structural breathing effect near 283 K emphasizes the confinement's influence on GOIL dynamics. Importantly, GOIL exhibits 3–4 times higher ionic conductivity than that of bulk ILs across different temperatures. The simulation proves that this increase is mainly due to the faster ion transport caused by cation and anion delamination under nanoconfinement. Even at low temperatures (253 K), GOIL demonstrates exceptional ionic conductivity exceeding 1 mS cm–1, rendering it suitable for harsh environment energy storage applications. These findings shed light on the properties of ILs under nanoscale confinement, providing insights into the design of nanomaterials with enhanced performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microemulsions (MEs) comprising lutidinium dioctyl sulfosuccinate [Lut]-[AOT], a biobased ionic liquid (ILs) surfactant as an emulsifier, ([BMIM]-[PF6]) as a nonpolar phase, and ethanolammonium formate (HO-EAF)/or ethylammonium formate (EAF) as polar components, have been constructed. NMR chemical shifts, surface tension measurements, and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) suggest aggregation of [Lut]-[AOT] in both hydrophilic (EAF or HO-EAF) and hydrophobic ([BMIM]-[PF6]) ILs. Pseudoternary phase diagrams have been drawn from visual observations and indicated a large monophasic region without assistance of a cosurfactant. ME droplet size and morphology have been analyzed using DLS measurements. Confined IL domains have been used as nanoreactors for the steady-state production of PbSAgS@COOH core–shell nanoparticles (NPs) with a precise control over size and morphology. Synthesized NPs have been characterized using PXRD, XPS, HR-TEM, UV–vis, and fluorescence spectroscopy. PbSAgS@COOH core–shell nanoparticles (NPs) have been applied as a photocatalyst with exceptionally high photodegradation efficiency of dye molecules in aqueous solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With water-based lubricants, the quest for corrosion resistance and excellent lubricity is the constant goal. Herein, the charge properties of ionic liquids (ILs) and their adsorption properties with regard to metals were used to effectively modulate the lubrication performance and improve graphene oxide (GO) properties. Two nanomaterials (Ch–Trp/GO and Ch–Met/GO) were designed and prepared by synthesizing two ILs via simple acid–base neutralization reactions with choline (Ch) and amino acids (AA) and reacting them with GO. Additives can stably disperse in water and adsorb on metal surfaces to form chemisorbed films to reduce corrosion. When added to water mixed with polyethylene glycol (PEG), both materials exhibited improved friction-reducing performance. The results of the mechanism analysis indicate that the additives effectively adsorbed on the metal surface and formed a chemisorbed film. ILs not only help smooth the GO surface but also contribute to the friction reaction, thus exhibiting excellent lubrication properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymer composites based on polycarbonate (PC) and polyether ether ketone (PEEK) filled with single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs, 0.5–2.0 wt %) were melt-mixed to investigate their suitability for thermoelectric applications. Both types of polymer composites exhibited positive Seebeck coefficients (S), indicative for p-type thermoelectric materials. As an additive to improve the thermoelectric performance, three different ionic liquids (ILs), specifically THTDPCl, BMIMPF6, and OMIMCl, were added with the aim to change the thermoelectric conduction type of the composites from p-type to n-type. It was found that in both composite types, among the three ILs employed, only the phosphonium-based IL THTDPCl was able to activate the p- to n-type switching. Moreover, it is revealed that for the thermoelectric parameters and performance, the SWCNT:lL ratio plays a role. In the selected systems, S-values between 61.3 μV/K (PEEK/0.75 wt % SWCNT) and −37.1 μV/K (PEEK/0.75 wt % SWCNT + 3 wt % THTDPCl) were reached. In order to shed light on the physical origins of the thermoelectric properties, the PC-based composites were studied using ultrafast laser time-resolved transient absorption spectroscopy (TAS). The TAS studies revealed that the introduction of ILs in the developed PC/CNT composites leads to the formation of biexcitons when compared to the IL-free composites. Moreover, no direct correlation between S and exciton lifetimes was found for the IL-containing composites. Instead, the exciton lifetime decreases while the conductivity seems to increase due to the availability of more free-charge carriers in the polymer matrix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Concentrated electrolytes based on lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (LiFSI) have been proposed as an effective Li-compatible electrolyte for anode-free lithium metal batteries (AFLMBs). However, these electrolytes suffer from severe aluminum corrosion at an elevated potential. To address this issue, we propose a binary ionic liquid (IL) electrolyte additive comprising the 1-methyl-1-butyl pyrrolidinium cation (Pyr 14 + ), difluoro(oxalate)borate anion (DFOB - ), and difluorophosphate (PO 2 F 2 - ) anion to mitigate the Li inventory loss and Al corrosion in 4 M LiFSI/DME electrolyte simultaneously. On the anode side, the IL additive facilitates the formation of a robust Li 3 N- and LiF-rich solid electrolyte interphase, promoting highly reversible Li plating/stripping and uniform Li deposition. Additionally, the ILs alter the Li + solvation structure, leading to enhanced t Li + and rapid Li + desolvation kinetics. Concurrently, on the cathode side, the ILs aid in the generation of dense LiF- and AlF-rich passivation films against Al corrosion. By using the IL-added electrolyte, the Cu||LiMn 0.7 Fe 0.3 PO 4 cell operates stably at 4.5 V, and the Cu||NCM613 cell with a high loading of 4.0 mA h cm -2 sustains 142 cycles until 80% capacity retention. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the IL additive mechanism at the electrode-electrolyte interfaces and offers a straightforward approach to designing practical high-voltage AFLMB electrolytes.

Utilizing carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) as a raw material is an effective way to reduce carbon emissions, and developing catalytic systems with high catalytic activity and stability is crucial for the efficient utilization of CO 2 . Porous liquids (PLs) with both permanent pores and fluidity have great potential in the fields of catalysis, gas sorption, and storage. Nevertheless, the catalytic performance of PLs is affected by many factors; therefore, further study is needed. Herein, we proposed a general strategy to construct a series of type III PLs with different chemical structures of sterically hindered solvents and different microstructures of porous guests. Benefiting from the unique microstructures, the as-prepared PLs exhibit great potential in catalyzing the reaction of CO 2 with propylene oxide under suitable conditions. Moreover, their catalytic activity exceeds that of pure sterically hindered solvents without a porous guest loading. The influences of the nucleophilicity of the anion of the sterically hindered solvent and the microstructure of the porous guests on the catalytic activity and the catalytic stability of the PLs were analyzed. Meanwhile, the mechanism of the catalytic conversion of CO 2 was proposed, which is of great significance for the design and development of the subsequent PL catalysts.

The wide bandgap CsPbI 2 Br perovskite materials have attracted significant attention due to their high thermal stability and compatibility with narrow bandgap materials in tandem devices. The performance of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) is highly dependent on the quality of the perovskite layer, which is governed by the crystallization process during solution processing. However, the crystallization dynamics of CsPbI 2 Br thin films remain less explored compared to conventional organic-inorganic perovskites. Achieving high-quality CsPbI 2 Br films with uniform morphology and large perovskite grains remains challenging with standard solution techniques. This study applies the ionic liquid (IL) [EMIM] + [PF 6 ] - as an additive within the bulk CsPbI 2 Br absorber layer. Within our experimental regime, [EMIM] + [PF 6 ] - accelerates the crystallization process while promoting the formation of large perovskite grains, a feature not commonly observed in previous studies. Our experimental results suggest that the IL acts as heterogeneous nucleation sites, and varying IL incorporation amount significantly impacts the morphology of CsPbI 2 Br perovskite films. Consistent UV-vis and photoluminescence (PL) red-shifts are observed in the IL-incorporated CsPbI 2 Br films, with X-ray diffraction (XRD) data projecting an influence on the perovskite crystal structure. These findings provide new insights into the role of ILs in controlling crystallization and morphology that have been minimally discussed in the literature. The incorporation of an optimized amount of [EMIM] + [PF 6 ] - promotes the formation of highly crystalline perovskite thin films with excellent morphology, reducing defect density, enhancing carrier transport, and yielding large grain sizes. As a result, PSCs fabricated with [EMIM] + [PF 6 ] - achieved a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 17.11% (stabilized at 15.87%) and an open-circuit voltage ( V OC ) of 1.39 V, along with improved stability compared to control devices. This work provides a straightforward approach for producing high-quality CsPbI 2 Br thin films with high reproducibility, contributing valuable advancements to Cs-based PSCs.

Stretchable, flexible sensors are one of the most critical components of smart wearable electronics and Internet of Things (IoT), thereby attracting multipronged research interest in the last decades. Following miniaturization and multicomponent development of several sensors in one could further propel the demand for wireless, multimodal platforms. Greener substitutes to conventional sensors that can operate in a self-powered configuration are highly desirable in terms of all-in-one sensor utilities. However, fabrication of composite-based ultrastretchable, self-powered sensors with multifunctionality, robustness, and conformability is still only partially achieved and, therefore, demands further investigation. In this work, we report a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG)-based multifunctional strain and organic vapor sensor using cross-linked ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) elastomer and conducting carbon black as active fillers in the presence of an ionic liquid. The resulting piezoresistive sensor demonstrates ultrahigh gauge factor (GF > 220k) and wide range strain sensitivity and is, therefore, suitable for subtle-to-high frequency motion detection devices. Supported by excellent triboelectric outputs (force sensitivity 0.5 V/N in the range of 50-300 N, maximum output voltage V OC ∼ 178 V, short circuit current I SC ∼ 18 μA, maximum power density 0.11 mW/cm 2 ), the hybrid sensors offer remarkable mechanical toughness and seamless voltage generation under contact-separation, even after several thousand cycles of operations. Furthermore, the sensor substrates exhibited reproducible organic vapor-sensing behavior, with high responsivity of 1.92 and 1 for ethanol and acetone, respectively, under flowing vapor conditions. This work lays a strong foundation for developing a truly multimodal, TENG-based, self-powered organic vapor and strain sensors.

The understanding of the interfacial processes is critically important for extending the practical application of ionic liquids, particularly for the role of interfacial water. In the electrochemical system based on ionic liquid electrolytes, small amounts of water at the interface generate a significant change in the electrochemical behaviors of ionic liquids. Therefore, the investigation on the interfacial behavior of water is highly desired in ionic liquids with different anions, water content, and hydrophilicity. Herein, based on the probe strategy, in situ surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) combined with electrochemical control (EC-SERS) was developed to investigate the influence of hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity of ionic liquids on the interfacial water. The water-sensitive transformation reaction of 4,4'-dimercaptoazobenzene (DMAB) to para -aminothiophenol (PATP) was employed as a probe reaction for investigating the behavior of interfacial water. The changes of relative SERS intensities of DMAB to PATP served as an indication of the quantity variation of interfacial water. The results show that the transformation reaction efficiencies were critically dependent on the additional water contents, potential, and hydrophilicity of ionic liquids. With a very low molar fraction of additional water (X w = 0.01), transformation efficiency of DMAB (the amount of interfacial water) followed the sequence of [BMIm]BF 4 < [BMIm]PF 6 < [BMIm]Tf 2 N. It was in agreement with the hydrophobicity order of the ionic liquids. With the increase in additional water content, the potential for the full transformation was positively moved, and the efficiency increased significantly. The stronger hydrophobicity allowed more water molecules to migrate to the interface, which was attributed to the difference in interactions between water and the anions of ionic liquids. It demonstrated that the small amount of water tended to gather at the interface in hydrophobic ionic liquids. Compared to traditional cyclic voltammetry, the EC-SERS technique combined with probe reactions is more sensitive to interfacial water. It is anticipated to develop as a promising tool for the investigating water-related issues at interfaces and to provide guidance to screen ionic liquids for practical application.

Interfacial polymerization has emerged as a robust method for fabricating task-specific polyamide (PA) membranes. However, the limited microporosity of highly cross-linked PA membranes constrains their effectiveness in gas separation applications. Herein, we introduce an ionic liquid (IL)-regulated interfacial polymerization process to fabricate polyamide nanofilms incorporating kinked tetrakis (4-aminophenyl) methane monomers. In situ ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy demonstrates that the diffusion of 1,3,5-benzenetricarbonyl trichloride (TMC) toward the interface increases with the IL/H 2 O ratio, leading to the formation of a more compact membrane with a higher cross-linking degree. The PA-TAM7/3-60 min membrane exhibits a CO 2 permeance of 29.8 GPU and a CO 2 /CH 4 selectivity of 109, exceeding the 2008 Robeson upper bond. Additionally, the highly cross-linked structure imparts the membranes with notable plasticization resistance. Mixed-gas tests (CO 2 /CH 4 = 50/50, v/v) reveal that the PA-TAM7/3-60 min membrane experiences only a 2% reduction in CO 2 permeance and a 10% decrease in CO 2 /CH 4 selectivity at a CO 2 partial pressure of 300 PSIG, compared to its performance at 30 PSIG. The ease of tuning membrane structure and gas separation performance, along with its excellent plasticization resistance, underscores the potential of these PA membranes for task-specific gas separations.

Fulvic acids (FAs) have been commercially used in cosmetics and agronomy due to their unique biological activities, such as plant stimulation and anti-inflammatory effects. However, the extraction sources of FAs, such as peat, are currently limited. Consequently, new extraction methods using renewable resources need to be developed, while reproducing the biological functions. Here, ionic liquids (ILs) effectively extracted fulvic-like substances (FLSs) from wood sawdust. The overall molecular weight distributions of FLSs were similar to those of commercial FAs, and key organic groups (e.g., aromatic, phenolic, and methoxy groups) were also found to be shared between commercial FAs and FLSs. Detailed compositional analysis revealed by high-resolution mass spectrometry showed that the extracts contain both lignin-like and lipid-like molecules, while commercial FAs are biased toward lignin-like and carbohydrate-like molecules. FLSs generally showed better and similar performance in radical scavenging activity against ABTS +· and H 2 O 2 . Fibroblast proliferation and lettuce growth enhancements were also observed with the extract containing 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate and triethylammonium hydrogen sulfate, respectively, which performed better than commercial FAs. Immunofluorescence staining of in vitro human follicle dermal papilla cells supports that coexpression of hair growth-related proteins can be accelerated with FLSs, and this effect was further evidenced by in vivo mouse model experiments. Finally, the reusability of ILs in the extraction process was confirmed by analyzing the structural features of FLSs from each recycling. Our findings indicate that ILs are useful for obtaining biologically functional fulvic analogs from renewable plant sources.

Ionic gels are emerging as a promising solution for improving the functionality of electrochromic devices. They are increasingly drawing attention in the fields of electrochemistry and functional materials due to their potential to address issues associated with traditional liquid electrolytes, such as volatility, toxicity, and leakage. In extreme scenarios and/or the design of flexible devices, ionic gel electrolytes offer unique and invaluable advantages. This perspective delves into the application of ionic gels in electrochromic devices, exploring various methods to enhance their performance. After briefly introducing developments in ionic gels for electrochromic devices, the trends and key points of future development are discussed in detail.

Colloidal platinum nanoparticles (Pt NPs) possess a myriad of technologically relevant applications. A potentially sustainable route to synthesize Pt NPs is via polyol reduction in ionic liquid (IL) solvents; however, the development of this synthetic method is limited by the fact that reaction kinetics have not been investigated. In-line analysis in a flow reactor is an appealing approach to obtain such kinetic data; unfortunately, the optical featurelessness of Pt NPs in the visible spectrum complicates the direct analysis of flow chemistry products via ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectrophotometry. Here, we report a machine learning (ML)-based approach to analyze in-line UV-vis spectrophotometric data to determine Pt NP product concentrations. Using a benchtop flow reactor with ML-interpreted in-line analysis, we were able to investigate NP yield as a function of residence time for two IL solvents: 1-butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium triflate (BMPYRR-OTf) and 1-butyl-2-methylpyridinium triflate (BMPY-OTf). While these solvents are structurally similar, the polyol reduction shows radically different yields of Pt NPs depending on which solvent is used. The approach presented here will help develop an understanding of how the subtle differences in the molecular structures of these solvents lead to distinct reaction behavior. The accuracy of the ML prediction was validated by particle size analysis and the error was found to be as low as 4%. This approach is generalizable and has the potential to provide information on various reaction outcomes stemming from solvent effects, for example, differential yields, orders of reaction, rate coefficients, NP sizes, etc.

We study responses of thermally annealed ultrathin films deposited on silicon substrates and containing polyzwitterions to applied electric fields by using specular neutron reflectometry (NR). In particular, we applied 7 kV under vacuum at 150 °C on the films containing poly(1-(3-sulfonatopropyl)-2-vinylpyridinium) (P2VPPS) and its blends with either a deuterated ionic liquid (EMIMBF 4 - d 11 ), potassium bromide (KBr), or deuterated sodium polystyrenesulfonate (NaPSS- d 7 ). The voltage was applied over an air gap, and the in situ neutron reflectivity measurements allowed us to measure changes in the films. In all the cases, we measured decreases in thicknesses of the films, which varied up to ∼8% depending on the added salt. Posteriori X-ray reflectivity (XRR) measurements on the same films at room temperature reveal that these films were highly hygroscopic, which led to the presence of water in these films. Analysis of the NR and the XRR revealed that the decrease in the thickness of the films in the neutron reflectivity experiments on heating resulted from the loss of water and the ionic liquid but not from electrostrictive effects. The in situ NR and posteriori XRR experiments revealed not only the hygroscopic nature of these films but also depth-resolved structural rearrangements due to the applied electric fields in the films containing electrolytes and polyelectrolytes. This work shows that a combination of NR and XRR can be used to distinguish between mass loss and electrostriction in films containing charged polymers such as polyzwitterions.

When in contact with charged solid surfaces, ionic liquids (ILs) are known to form solvation structures consisting of alternating cation and anion layers. This phenomenon is considered to originate from the adsorption layer of counterions overcompensating the surface charge, so-called overscreening. However, the response of these layers to surfaces with near-zero or extremely high surface charge density (σ) remains inadequately understood. Here, we probe the solvation structure of ILs on alkali halide surfaces with varied surface orientations: nearly zero-charged RbI(100) and highly charged RbI(111), by employing frequency modulation atomic force microscopy with atomic resolution. Two commonly used ILs are examined in this study: 1-methyl-1-propylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([C 3 mpyr][NTf 2 ]) and 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([C 2 mim][NTf 2 ]). On RbI(100) surfaces with near zero σ, we observe alternating cation and anion layers, diverging from the previously proposed monolayer model for IL/alkali halide(100) interfaces. These results support the argument that overscreening occurs under low σ, even approaching zero, and reconcile conflicting experimental conclusions about low σ systems. On RbI(111) surfaces with high σ, we identify solvation structures consisting of two consecutive counterion layers. This structure aligns with the theoretically predicted crowding; a phenomenon rarely observed in commonly used ILs due to typically unreachable σ in electrochemical IL/electrode systems. Our findings indicate that alkali halide(111) surfaces are potentially valuable for exploring the crowding phenomenon in ILs, addressing the current scarcity of experimental observations.

We report electrochemical measurements using in situ Raman spectroscopy at graphene/D 2 O interfaces under extremely low applied potentials. Here, the hydrophobic and catalytically inert nature of graphene and the insulating nature of the deionized (DI) water enables potentials as low as V applied = -7 V vs Ag/AgCl to be applied without exceeding 200 μA/cm 2 of current density. At higher currents, bubble formation (i.e., hydrogen evolution reaction) prohibits reliable spectra from being obtained from the electrode surface. Using CaF 2 as the supporting substrate enables significantly lower reducing potentials to be reached compared to glass substrates, likely due to trapped charge and impurities in the glass substrate. G band Raman spectra taken under various applied electrochemical potentials exhibit a linear relationship between the G band shift (Δω G ) and the applied potential, with blueshifts as high as Δω G = 18 cm -1 . These large Raman shifts indicate a large change in the Fermi level of Δ E F = -0.43 eV for graphene electrodes in contact with water, favoring reduction half-reactions. Based on the solution resistance measurement, there is a V IR = -3.9 V vs Ag/AgCl. We have also tested these graphene electrodes in ionic liquids [DEME][TFSI], which are limited to applied potentials above 2 O (when the applied potential was V = -0.32 eV, indicating that pure water can provide a more robust electrolyte for reaching low reducing potentials than ionic liquids.applied = -7 V vs Ag/AgCl) and the effective reducing potential on the working electrode is V effective = -3.9 V vs Ag/AgCl. We have also tested these graphene electrodes in ionic liquids [DEME][TFSI], which are limited to applied potentials above V applied = -2.7 V vs Ag/AgCl and a corresponding shift in the Fermi level Δ E F = -0.32 eV, indicating that pure water can provide a more robust electrolyte for reaching low reducing potentials than ionic liquids.

We introduce aqueous ionic liquid (IL) mixtures, specifically mixtures of 1-butyl-3-imidazoliumtetrafluoroborate (BMImBF 4 ), with water as a minimal model of lipid bilayer membranes. Imidazolium-based ILs are known to form clustered nanoscale structures in which local inhomogeneities, micellar or lamellar structures, are formed to shield hydrophobic parts of the cation from the polar cosolvent (water). To investigate these nanostructures, dynamic light scattering (DLS) on samples with different mixing ratios of water and BMImBF 4 was performed. At mixing ratios of 50% and 45% (v/v), small and homogeneous nanostructures can indeed be detected. To test whether, in particular, these stable nanostructures in aqueous mixtures may mimic the effects of phospholipid bilayer membranes, we further investigated their interaction with myelin basic protein (MBP), a peripheral, intrinsically disordered membrane protein of the myelin sheath. Using dynamic light scattering (DLS), continuous wave (CW) and pulse electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) on recombinantly produced, "healthy" charge variants rmC1WT and double cysteine variant C1S17CH85C, we find that the size and the shape of the determined nanostructures in an optimum mixture offer model membranes in which the protein exhibits native behavior. SAXS measurements illuminate the size and shape of the nanostructures and indicate IL-rich "beads" clipped together by functional MBP, one of the in vivo roles of the protein in the myelin sheath. All the gathered data combined indicate that the 50% and 45% aqueous IL mixtures can be described as offering minimal models of a lipid mono- or bilayer that allow native processing and potential study of at least peripheral membrane proteins like MBP.

The dynamics of ion transport at the interface is the critical factor for determining the performance of an electrochemical energy storage device. While practical applications are realized in concentrated electrolytes and nanopores, there is a limited understanding of their ion dynamic features. Herein, we studied the interfacial ion dynamics in room-temperature ionic liquids by transient single-particle imaging with microsecond-scale resolution. We observed slowed-down dynamics at lower potential while acceleration was observed at higher potential. Combined with simulation, we found that the microstructure evolution of the electric double layer (EDL) results in potential-dependent kinetics. Then, we established a correspondence between the ion dynamics and interfacial ion composition. Besides, the ordered ion orientation within EDL is also an essential factor for accelerating interfacial ion transport. These results inspire us with a new possibility to optimize electrochemical energy storage through the good control of the rational design of the interfacial ion structures.

Due to their physical properties including high thermal stability, very low vapor pressure, and high microwave absorption, ionic liquids have attracted great attention as solvents for the synthesis of nanomaterials, being considered as greener alternatives to traditional solvents. While usual solvents often need additives like surfactants, polymers, or other ligands to avoid nanoparticle coalescence, some ionic liquids can stabilize nanoparticles in dispersion without any additive. In order to quantify how the ionic liquids can affect both the aggregation thermodynamics and kinetics, molecular dynamics simulations were performed to simulate the evolution of concentrated dispersions and to compute the potential of mean force between nanoparticles of both hydrophilic and hydrophobic natures in two imidazolium-based ionic liquids, which differ from each other by the length of the cation alkyl group. Depending on the nature of the nanoparticle, structured layers of the polar and apolar regions of the ionic liquid can be formed close to its surface, and those layers lead to activation barriers for dispersed particles to get in contact. If the alkyl group of the ionic liquid is long enough to lead to domain segregation between the ionic and apolar portions of the solvent, the layered structure around the particle becomes more structured and propagates several nanometers away from its surface. This leads to stronger barriers close to the contact and also multiple barriers at larger distances that result from the unfavorable superposition of solvent layers of opposing nature when the nanoparticles approach each other. Those long-range solvent-mediated forces not only provide kinetic stability to dispersions but also affect their dynamics and lead to a long-range ordering between dispersed particles that can be explored as a template for the synthesis of complex materials.

A novel zwitterion composed of an imidazolium tethered to an anionic sulfonyl(trifluoromethane sulfonyl)imide group was prepared as an alternative dielectric material to traditional ionic liquids. The zwitterion not only melted below 100 °C but also proved to be nonhygroscopic. High-capacitance organic dielectric materials were obtained by blending this compound with poly(methyl methacrylate) over a range of concentrations and thicknesses. Above a specific temperature and concentration, films exhibit a capacitance nearly equivalent to that of an electrostatic double layer, approximately 10 μF/cm 2 , regardless of their thickness. Grazing-incidence wide-angle X-ray scattering experiments suggest that the zwitterions adopt a lamellar ordering at their surface above a critical concentration. The observed ordering is correlated with a 1000-fold increase in capacitance. The behavior suggests that the zwitterions exhibit strong electrostatic correlations throughout the film bulk, pointing the way toward a novel class of organic dielectric materials.

Ionogel-based sensors have gained widespread attention in recent years due to their excellent flexibility, biocompatibility, and multifunctionality. However, the adaptation of ionogel-based sensors in extreme environments (such as humid, acidic, alkaline, and salt environments) has rarely been studied. Here, thermoplastic polyurethane/carbon nanotubes-ionic liquids (TPU/CNTs-ILs) ionogels with a complementary sandpaper morphology on the surface were prepared by a solution-casting method with a simple sandpaper as the template, and the hydrophobic flexible TPU/CNTs-ILs ionogel-based sensor was obtained by modification using nanoparticles modified with cetyltrimethoxysilane. The hydrophobicity improves the environmental resistance of the sensor. The ionogel-based sensor exhibits multimode sensing performance and can accurately detect response signals from strain (0-150%), pressure (0.1-1 kPa), and temperature (30-100 °C) stimuli. Most importantly, the hydrophobic TPU/CNTs-ILs ionogel-based sensors can be used not only as wearable strain sensors to monitor human motion signals but also for information transfer, writing recognition systems, and underwater activity monitoring. Thus, the hydrophobic TPU/CNTs-ILs ionogel-based sensor offers a new strategy for wearable electronics, especially for applications in extreme environments.

The current longevity of dental resins intraorally is limited by susceptibility to acidic attacks from bacterial metabolic byproducts and vulnerability to enzymatic or hydrolytic degradation. Here, we demonstrate synthesizing an ionic liquid-based antibiofilm silane effective against Streptococcus mutans , a major caries pathogen. Furthermore, we incorporate this silane into dental resins, creating antibiofilm- and degradation-resistant materials applicable across resin types. FTIR, UV-vis, and NMR spectroscopy confirmed the synthesis of the expected ionic liquid-based silane. The characterization of SiO 2 after the silanization indicated the presence of the silane and how it interacted with the oxide. All groups achieved a degree of conversion similar to that found for commercial resin composites immediately and after two months of storage in water. The minimum of 2.5 wt % of silane led to lower softening in solvent than the control group (G CTRL ) ( p < 0.05). While the flexural strength indicated a lower value from 1 wt % of silane compared to G CTRL ( p < 0.05), the ultimate tensile strength did not indicate differences among groups ( p > 0.05). There was no difference within groups between the immediate and long-term tests of flexural strength ( p > 0.05) or ultimate tensile strength ( p > 0.05). The addition of at least 5 wt % of silane reduced the viability of S. mutans compared to G CTRL ( p < 0.05). The fluorescence microscopy analysis suggested that the higher the silane concentration, the higher the amount of bacteria with membrane defects. There was no difference among groups in the cytotoxicity test ( p > 0.05). Therefore, the developed dental resins displayed biocompatibility, proper degree of conversion, improved resistance against softening in solvent, and stability after 6 months of storage in water. This material could be further developed to produce polymeric antimicrobial layers for different surfaces, supporting various potential avenues in developing novel biomaterials with enhanced therapeutic characteristics using ionic liquid-based materials.

Hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) shows huge promise for metallic corrosion protection due to its excellent impermeability. However, the exfoliation and dispersion of hBN have proven to be very challenging, owing to the strong "lip–lip" interactions and inherent hydrophobic features. Herein, ultrathin IL-BN nanosheets were synthesized and simultaneously noncovalent functionalized by ionic liquid (IL) through a liquid ball milling strategy to achieve the good compatibility with epoxy (EP), which was characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmittance electron microscopy (TEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectronic spectroscopy (XPS), and UV–vis absorbance spectroscopy. Electrochemical measurements confirmed that the addition of 0.5 wt % IL-BN into the EP matrix significantly enhanced the anticorrosion capability of coatings. After 4 weeks of immersion in 3.5 wt % NaCl solution, the IL-BN-EP coating remained with a high coating resistance Rc of 5.6 × 109 Ω cm2, 4 orders of magnitude higher than EP (4.9 × 105 Ω cm2). SEM and Raman measurements also corroborated that the steel protected by IL-BN-EP was hardly corroded. Moreover, the passivation effect of IL-BN-EP coating was confirmed by potential polarization curve (PPC) tests at the coating defects. The superior anticorrosion performance of IL-BN-EP coating was mainly attributed to the synergistic effect of physical barrier and self-healing property endowed by the well-dispersed IL-BN hybrids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porous carbons are used in a wide range of applications, including electrochemical double-layer capacitors for energy storage, in which electrolyte ion properties under confinement are crucial for the performance of the systems. While many synthesis techniques lead to the presence of surface functional groups, their effect on the adsorption and diffusion of electrolyte ions is still poorly understood. In this study, we investigate the effect of surface chemistry on the dynamical and structural properties of adsorbed ions through molecular dynamics simulations of a neat ionic liquid in contact with several zeolite-templated carbons, used here as model materials for the larger range of existing ordered microporous carbons. The steric and specific influence of functional groups is explored using three structures: a structure without any functional groups; a structure with ester, hydroxyl, anhydride acid, and carboxyl functional groups; and a structure where the oxygen and hydrogen atoms are replaced by carbon atoms. We calculate quantities of adsorbed ions and diffusion coefficients, which show variations with the addition of functional groups in agreement with experimental data for similar systems. We observe that the functionalization has a limited impact on the structure of the confined electrolyte but affects the ion mobility more markedly, and that the relative importance of the structure and chemical nature of the functional groups is not the same depending on the ion type and property considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two-dimensional (2D) nanosheets have been widely reported and applied. Among them, 2D VOPO4·2H2O (HVPO) is widely used in the chemical industry and energy storage field because of its polyanionic laminates. However, its layered structure is difficult to be damaged because of the strong hydrate hydrogen bonds and a small interlayer spacing. Herein, the ionic liquids (ILs) are utilized to achieve the physicochemical exfoliation of HVPO. Also, the ultrathin two-dimensional (2D) crystalline nanosheets are successfully obtained with fully exposed crystal planes and a monoatomic or few-atomic-layer structure. Further, the exfoliation mechanism of hydrogen bond destruction and recombination is proposed by combining the density functional theory (DFT) and characterization analysis. The strong hydration hydrogen bonding of an HVPO interlayer is destroyed and a system of hydrogen bonds between the cations of the ILs with a layered plate of VOPO4 and the anions of the ILs with crystal water is reformed. Besides, reassembly of the 2D nanosheets was prohibited due to the recombination of the hydrogen-bonding network. It is found that the 2D crystalline nanosheets have a quenching effect on the photoluminescence of ILs and have good electrochemical properties such as reducing the battery impedance (about 5 times less than that of the blank) and reducing the redox potential difference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concept of a solid catalyst with an ionic liquid layer (SCILL) is a promising approach to improve the selectivity of noble metal catalysts in heterogeneous reactions. In order to understand the origins of this selectivity control, we investigated the growth and thermal stability of ultrathin 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium trifluormethanesulfonate [C 2 C 1 Im][OTf] films on Pt(111) by infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy (IRAS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) in time-resolved and temperature-programmed experiments. We combined these spectroscopy experiments with scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) to obtain detailed insights into the orientation and adsorption geometry of the ions in the first IL layer. Furthermore, we propose a mechanism for the thermal evolution of [C 2 C 1 Im][OTf] on Pt(111). We observe an intact IL layer on the surface at temperatures below 200 K. Adsorbed [C 2 C 1 Im][OTf] forms islands, which are evenly distributed over the surface. The [OTf] - anion adsorbs via the SO 3 group, with the molecular axis perpendicular to the surface. Anions and cations are arranged next to each other, alternating on the Pt(111) surface. Upon heating to 250 K, we observe changes in geometry and structural distribution. Whereas at low temperature, the ions are arranged alternately for electrostatic reasons, this driving force is no longer decisive at 250 K. Here, a phase separation of two different species is discernible in STM. We propose that this effect is due to a surface reaction, which changes the charge of the adsorbates. We assume that the IL starts to decompose at around 250 K, and thus, pristine IL and decomposition products coexist on the surface. Also, IRAS and XPS show indication of IL decomposition. Further heating leads to increased IL decomposition. The reaction products associated with the anions are volatile and leave the surface. In contrast, the cation fragments remain on the surface up to temperatures above 420 K.

Zn metal anode is confronted with notorious Zn dendrite growth caused by inhomogeneous Zn 2+ deposition, rampant dendrite growth, and serious interface side reactions, which significantly hinder their large-scale implication. Interface modification engineering is a powerful strategy to improve the Zn metal anode by regulating Zn 2+ deposition behavior, suppressing dendrite formation, and protecting the anode from electrolyte corrosion. Herein, we have designed a high-strength and superior-electrolyte-wettability composite gel protective layer based on silk fibroin (SF) and ionic liquids (ILs) on the Zn anode surface by a straightforward spin-coating strategy. The Zn ion transport kinetics and mechanical properties were further improved by following the incubation process to construct a more well-ordered β-sheet structure. Consequently, the incubated composite gel coating serves as a command station, guiding the Zn ion's preferential growth along the (002) plane, resulting in a smooth and uniform deposition morphology. Driven by these improvements, the zinc anode modified with this composite gel exhibits a remarkably long-term cycling lifespan up to 2200 h at 2 mA cm -2 , while also displaying superior rate capability. This study represents a landmark achievement in the realm of electrochemical science, delineating a clear pathway toward the realization of a highly reversible and enduring Zn anode.

High-voltage resistant quasi-solid-state polymer electrolytes (QSPEs) are promising for enhancing the energy density of lithium-metal batteries in practice. However, side reactions occurring at the interfaces between the anodes or cathodes and QSPEs considerably reduce the lifespan of high-voltage LMBs. In this study, a copolymer of vinyl ethylene carbonate (VEC) and poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) was used as the framework, with a cellulose membrane (CE) as the supporting layer. Based on density functional theory calculations, 1-butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (Pyr 14 TFSI), an ionic liquid, was screened because of its lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy level as a modifying agent for the in situ P(VEC x -EG y )/Pyr z /LiTFSI@CE QSPEs synthesis. Pyr 14 + , with a lithiophobic alkyl chain, forms a dense positive ion shielding layer on the protruding tips of deposited lithium, facilitating uniform and smooth lithium deposition. Pyr 14 TFSI assists in constructing a stable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer on the Li surface enriched with LiF, Li 3 N, and RCOOLi. The modulation of lithium deposition behavior on the anode by Pyr 14 TFSI ensures stable Li plating/stripping for >1500 h. A Li-Cu cell exhibits stable cycling for >200 cycles at a current density of 0.05 mA cm -2 , with an average Coulombic efficiency of 92.7%. In situ polymerization ensures that P(VEC x -EG y )/Pyr z /LiTFSI@CE QSPEs exhibit excellent interface compatibility with the anode and the cathode. The CR2032 button cell Li|P(VEC 1 -EG 0.06 )/Pyr 0.4 /LiTFSI@CE|LiCoO 2 demonstrates stable cycling with a negligible capacity decay of 0.083% per cycle for >390 cycles at 25 °C and 0.2 C when using a high-voltage LiCoO 2 (4.45 V) cathode. Furthermore, a 7.1 mAh pouch cell achieves stable charge-discharge cycles, confirming the pronounced stability of the as-fabricated QSPE at the interfaces of the high-voltage LiCoO 2 cathode and Li anode.

Psoriasis is a systemic, recurrent, chronic autoimmune skin disease. However, psoriasis drugs have poor skin permeability and high toxicity, resulting in low bioavailability and affecting their clinical application. In this study, we propose a curcumin-based ionic liquid hydrogel loaded with ilomastat (Cur-Car-IL@Ilo hydrogel), which can effectively maintain the sustained release of drugs and improve the skin permeability of drugs. We used a model of imiquimod-induced psoriasis and demonstrated that local application of Cur-Car-IL@Ilo hydrogel can improve skin lesions in mice with significantly reduced expression levels of inflammatory factors, matrix metalloproteinase 8, and collagen-I. The expressions of iron death-related proteins SLC7A11 and ASL4 were significantly decreased after treatment with Cur-Car-IL@Ilo hydrogel. Flora analysis showed that the content of anaerotruncus, proteus, and UCG-009 bacteria in the gut of psoriatic mice increased. The levels of paludicola, parabacteroides, prevotellaceae&#95;UCG-001, escherichia-shigella, and aerococcus decreased, and the levels of some of the above bacteria tended to be normal after treatment. Therefore, the curcumin-based ionic liquid hydrogel can be used as a multifunctional, nonirritating, noninvasive, and highly effective percutaneous treatment of psoriasis.

The use of electrolyte additives is an efficient approach to mitigating undesirable side reactions and dendrites. However, the existing electrolyte additives do not effectively regulate both the chaotic diffusion of Zn 2+ and the decomposition of H 2 O simultaneously. Herein, a dual-parasitic method is introduced to address the aforementioned issues by incorporating 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium trifluoromethanesulfonate ([EMIm]OTf) as cosolvent into the Zn(OTf) 2 electrolyte. Specifically, the OTf - anion is parasitic in the solvent sheath of Zn 2+ to decrease the number of active H 2 O. Additionally, the EMIm + cation can construct an electrostatic shield layer and a hybrid organic/inorganic solid electrolyte interface layer to optimize the deposition behavior of Zn 2+ . This results in a Zn anode with a reversible cycle life of 3000 h, the longest cycle life of full cells (25,000 cycles), and an extremely high initial capacity (4.5 mA h cm -2 ), providing a promising electrolyte solution for practical applications of rechargeable aqueous zinc-ion batteries.

The use of ionic liquids (ILs) as lubricants or additives has been studied extensively over the past few decades. However, the ILs considered for lubricant applications have been part of a limited structural class of phosphonium- or imidazolium-type compounds. Here, new pyrylium- and pyridinium-based ILs bearing long alkyl chains were prepared and evaluated as friction- and wear-reducing additives in naphthenic greases. The physical properties of the synthetic ILs and additized naphthenic grease were measured. The tribological performance of the greases was measured by using standard benchtop tests. The addition of ILs was detrimental to wear, causing an increase in the amount of material removed by sliding relative to the base greases in most cases. In contrast, the friction performance improved under nearly all conditions tested due to the IL additives. The compatibility of the synthetic ILs with the naphthenic greases and its potential influence upon miscibility and tribological performance are tentatively proposed to be a result of the molecular structure.

Gelation is a promising method to assemble 3D macroscopic structures from MXene sheets for various applications. However, the fine control and scalable manufacturing of 3D MXene monoliths remains a great challenge. Herein, the controllable gelation of Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene initiated by various ionic liquids (ILs) is first proposed, where the IL serve as linkers to bond the nanosheets together through electrostatic and hydrogen bonding interactions, forming 3D monoliths with well-adjustable structure. Furthermore, density functional theory calculations and experiments further reveal the cross-linking effect of different ILs. Typically, 3D porous structure with high specific surface area, suitable pore size, and improved electrolyte affinity is designed through the cross-linking of Ti 3 C 2 T x with 1-vinyl-3-ethylimidazole bromide ([C 2 VIm]Br-Ti 3 C 2 T x ). Due to the strong coupling, the as-synthesized monolith possesses excellent rate performance and high energy density. The methodology is quite flexible, controllable, and universal that provides a new perspective for promoting innovative applications of 2D materials.

Ionic liquids (ILs) showed a promising application prospect in the field of biomedicine due to their unique recyclability, modifiability, and structure adjustability. In this study, nanoporous microsphere of silk protein and blending with poly(d,l-lactic acid) as model drug delivery was fabricated, respectively, through an IL-induced self-assembly method. Their morphology, structure, and thermal properties were comparably investigated through scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction, and thermogravimetric analyses, and the interaction mechanisms were also discussed to elucidate the effect of structure on drug delivery kinetics. The pure protein exhibited a bigger nanopore size in the microsphere compared to the composite one, facilitating more effective drug loading up to 88.7%. However, drug release was over 53.5% for the composite during initial 4 h, while pure protein was only about half of the composite. Both of them exhibited sustained slow release after 24 h and anticancer efficacy. Furthermore, the favorable compatibility between drug and microsphere vehicle was found and experienced improved thermal stability upon encapsulation, which could protect the drug molecules in high temperature at 200 °C. When the protein and its composite self-assembled to microspheres in ILs due to electrostatic and hydrophobic interaction, the drug could be infiltrated into the nanoporous matrix through biophysical action, and the protein structure displayed reversible transition during delivery. The sustained slow release from pure SF was attributed to the high β-sheet block action and strong drug-protein interactions, whose strength could be tuned through blending poly(d,l-lactic acid) with protein. These findings indicated that the SF-based nanoporous microspheres formed from IL self-assembled system are an ideal and potential drug delivery vehicle which can be incorporated into various biomaterials in the future.

Ionic liquids (ILs) are a special category of molten salts solely composed of ions with varied molecular symmetry and charge delocalization. The versatility in combining varied cation-anion moieties and in functionalizing ions with different atoms and molecular groups contributes to their peculiar interactions ranging from weak isotropic associations to strong, specific, and anisotropic forces. A delicate interplay among intra- and intermolecular interactions facilitates the formation of heterogeneous microstructures and liquid morphologies, which further contributes to their striking dynamical properties. Microstructural and dynamical heterogeneities of ILs lead to their multifaceted properties described by an inherent designer feature, which makes ILs important candidates for novel solvents, electrolytes, and functional materials in academia and industrial applications. Due to a massive number of combinations of ion pairs with ion species having distinct molecular structures and IL mixtures containing varied molecular solvents, a comprehensive understanding of their hierarchical structural and dynamical quantities is of great significance for a rational selection of ILs with appropriate properties and thereafter advancing their macroscopic functionalities in applications. In this review, we comprehensively trace recent advances in understanding delicate interplay of strong and weak interactions that underpin their complex phase behaviors with a particular emphasis on understanding heterogeneous microstructures and dynamics of ILs in bulk liquids, in mixtures with cosolvents, and in interfacial regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesis of thin films of metal organic frameworks (MOFs) is a rapidly growing area owing to the use of these highly functional nanomaterials for various applications. In this study, a thin layer of a typical MOF, copper benzene tricarboxylate (HKUST–1), was synthesized by electrodeposition on a glassy carbon (GC) electrode using a potential-step chronoamperometric technique at room temperature. Various characterization techniques including Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were used to verify the successful deposition of the MOF film and its structure. The electrodeposited MOF crystals showed cuboctahedral morphology with macropores. The MOF modified electrode was applied for hydrogen gas sensing in a room-temperature ionic liquid (RTIL) for the first time. A 4-fold increase in current was observed compared to a precious metal, that is, platinum, and the electrode exhibited a significant catalytic activity compared to the bare GC electrode, making it a very promising low cost material for hydrogen gas sensing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to model the solubility of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) in different ionic liquids (ILs) based on the σ-moments of cations, anions, and APIs that were used as molecular descriptors calculated using the σ-profiles of three categories of descriptors based on conductor-like screening model for real solvents. The database of 83 API-ILs systems composed of 14 APIs, 12 cations, and 7 anions (25 ILs combinations) was collected as 850 data points at different temperature ranges. A hybrid Improved Grey Wolf Support vector regression, abbreviated as I-GWO-SVR( r ), algorithm was selected as the learning method. Based on a comprehensive comparison with 11 different models, various statistical factors, and graphical analyses, including an external validation test, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and sensitivity analysis, the capability and validity of the proposed approach have been assessed and verified. The overall study confirmed that the proposed new model provided the best results in terms of predicting the solubility of APIs in ILs.

Phytosterol ferulate (PF) is quantitively low in rice, corn, wheat, oats, barley, and millet, but it is potentially effective in reducing plasma lipids. In this study, PF was synthesized for the first time using acidic ionic liquids as a catalyst. The product was purified, characterized using Fourier transform infrared, mass spectroscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance, and ultimately confirmed as the desired PF compound. The conversion of phytosterol surpassed an impressive 99% within just 2 h, with a selectivity for PF exceeding 83%. Plasma lipid-lowering activity of PF was further investigated by using C57BL/6J mice fed a high-fat diet as a model. Supplementation of 0.5% PF into diet resulted in significant reductions in plasma total cholesterol, triacylglycerols, and nonhigh-density lipoprotein cholesterol by 13.7, 16.9, and 46.3%, respectively. This was accompanied by 55.8 and 36.3% reductions in hepatic cholesterol and total lipids, respectively, and a 22.9% increase in fecal cholesterol excretion. Interestingly, PF demonstrated a higher lipid-lowering activity than that of its substrates, a physical mixture of phytosterols and ferulic acid. In conclusion, an efficient synthesis of PF was achieved for the first time, and PF had the great potential to be developed as a lipid-lowering dietary supplement.

Hollow tubing and tubular filaments are highly relevant to membrane technologies, vascular tissue engineering, and others. In this context, we introduce hollow filaments (HF) produced through coaxial dry-jet wet spinning of cellulose dissolved in an ionic liquid ([emim][OAc]). The HF, developed upon regeneration in water (23 °C), displays superior mechanical performance (168 MPa stiffness and 60% stretchability) compared to biobased counterparts, such as those based on collagen. The results are rationalized by the effects of crystallinity, polymer orientation, and other factors associated with rheology, thermal stability, and dynamic vapor sorption. The tensile strength and strain of the HF (dry and wet) are enhanced by drying and wetting cycles (water vapor sorption and desorption experiments). Overall, we unveil the role of water molecules in the wet performance of HF produced by cellulose regeneration from [emim][OAc], which offers a basis for selecting suitable applications.

Gas separation polymer membranes play a pivotal role in various industrial processes including carbon capture and hydrogen production. However, the inherent trade-off between permeability and selectivity coupled with challenges in membrane manufacturing has hindered their widespread industrial deployment. To address the permselectivity challenges, researchers have explored increasingly complex polymers, composite systems, and other materials. In this study, we introduce a novel membrane manufacturing technique called "electro-casting" that not only enables efficient membrane fabrication but also enhances the trade-off of traditional polymer-based membranes. We fabricated cellulose acetate (CA) membranes embedded with 1-ethyl-3-methyl imidazolium via electro-casting and performed a comparative analysis of structural, morphological, and gas transport characteristics against membranes made via conventional casting techniques. We discovered that electro-casted membranes exhibited a unique crystalline structure, surface topology that induced a remarkable 200% improvement in CO 2 /N 2 selectivity and a 110% increase in CO 2 /CH 4 selectivity. The electric field generated during the manufacturing process played a crucial role in altering the supramolecular structure of the polymer, thereby increasing the separation properties of the membranes as well as their thermal and mechanical features. Electro-casting induced a polymer crystallization effect that disrupted the permeability-selectivity trade-off observed in conventional membranes, while producing highly stable membranes. Moreover, the simplicity of this manufacturing method and its significant impact on membrane properties have the potential to accelerate the deployment of gas separation membranes, facilitating the transition toward a NetZero chemical industry.

Media lubricants are critical to the reliability of hard disc drives (HDDs). Ideally, the lubricant should have high thermal stability and low monolayer (ML) thickness. Unfortunately, the state-of-the-art lubricant perfluoropolyether (PFPE) only has limited thermal stability, and its ML is relatively thick due to the polymeric chain structure. In this study, we showed that an ionic liquid (IL) with imidazolium cations and fluorinated anions, [Bmim]-[FAP], has higher thermal stability than PFPE Z-tetraol based on thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Moreover, both AFM and friction test results demonstrated that the ML thickness of [Bmim]-[FAP] is only ~50% of that of PFPE Z-tetraol, which can be attributed to the smaller molecular size of [Bmim]-[FAP]. These findings suggest that ILs are promising candidates for the next-generation media lubricants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many applications in chemistry, biology, and energy storage/conversion research rely on molecular simulations to provide fundamental insight into structural and transport properties of materials with high ionic concentrations. Whether the system is comprised entirely of ions, like ionic liquids, or is a mixture of a polar solvent with a salt, e.g., liquid electrolytes for battery applications, the presence of ions in these materials results in strong local electric fields polarizing solvent molecules and large ions. To predict properties of such systems from molecular simulations often requires either explicit or mean-field inclusion of the influence of polarization on electrostatic interactions. In this manuscript, we review the pros and cons of different treatments of polarization ranging from the mean-field approaches to the most popular explicit polarization models in molecular dynamics simulations of ionic materials. For each method, we discuss their advantages and disadvantages and emphasize key assumptions as well as their adjustable parameters. Strategies for the development of polarizable models are presented with a specific focus on extracting atomic polarizabilities. Finally, we compare simulations using polarizable and nonpolarizable models for several classes of ionic systems, discussing the underlying physics that each approach includes or ignores, implications for implementation and computational efficiency, and the accuracy of properties predicted by these methods compared to experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]