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From Molecules to Materials: Engineering New Ionic Liquid Crystals Through Halogen Bonding
Published on: March 24, 2018
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Supramolecular Thermotropic Ionic Liquid Crystals Formed via Self-Assembled Zwitterionic Ionic Liquids
Xuanxuan Qiao1, Panpan Sun1, Aoli Wu1
1Key Laboratory of Colloid and Interface Chemistry , Shandong University, Ministry of Education , Jinan 250100 , P. R. China.
Langmuir : the ACS Journal of Surfaces and Colloids
|December 20, 2018
Summary
Researchers created novel thermotropic ionic liquid crystals (ILCs) with hexagonal and lamellar phases. These self-assembled materials exhibit enhanced ionic conductivity, suggesting potential for proton conduction applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Supramolecular Chemistry
- Electrochemistry
Background:
- Ionic liquid crystals (ILCs) are advanced materials with tunable properties.
- Zwitterionic compounds offer unique self-assembly characteristics.
- Proton conductivity is crucial for energy storage and conversion devices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To fabricate supramolecular thermotropic ionic liquid crystals (ILCs) using zwitterionic ionic liquids and tris(dodecyloxy)benzoic acid.
- To investigate the phase behavior and microstructural properties of the synthesized ILCs.
- To explore the potential of these ILCs as proton pathways for enhanced ionic conductivity.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of zwitterionic ionic liquids (C_nIPS) with varying alkyl chain lengths (n=12, 14, 16).
- Fabrication of ILCs through self-assembly with 3,4,5-tris(dodecyloxy)benzoic acid (TDBA).
- Characterization using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), and polarized optical microscopy (POM).
Main Results:
- Successful fabrication of supramolecular thermotropic ILCs exhibiting hexagonal and lamellar phases.
- Ordered microstructures were confirmed through SAXS and POM.
- DSC analysis revealed distinct phase transitions.
Conclusions:
- The self-assembled zwitterionic ILCs possess well-defined microstructures suitable for proton conduction.
- These ILCs demonstrate significantly improved ionic conductivity.
- The findings suggest a proton hopping mechanism within the ILC microstructure, indicating potential for advanced electrochemical applications.
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