Void-Assisted Ion-Paired Proton Transfer at Water-Ionic Liquid Interfaces.

At the water-trihexyl(tetradecyl)phosphonium tris(-pentafluoroethyl)trifluorophosphate ([P14,6,6,6][FAP]) ionic liquid interface, the unusual electrochemical transfer behavior of protons (H+) and deuterium ions (D+) was identified. Alkali metal cations (such as Li+, Na+, K+) did not undergo this transfer. H+/D+ transfers were assisted by the hydrophobic counter anion of the ionic liquid, [FAP]-, resulting in the formation of a mixed capacitive layer from the filling of the latent voids within the anisotropic ionic liquid structure. This phenomenon could impact areas such as proton-coupled electron transfers, fuel cells, and hydrogen storage where ionic liquids are used as aprotic solvents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]