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.

Ionic Liquids in Metal, Photo-, Electro-, and (Bio) Catalysis

Ionic liquids (ILs) have unique physicochemical properties that make them advantageous for catalysis, such as low vapor pressure, non-flammability, high thermal and chemical stabilities, and the ability to enhance the activity and stability of (bio)catalysts. ILs can improve the efficiency, selectivity, and sustainability of bio(transformations) by acting as activators of enzymes, selectively dissolving substrates and products, and reducing toxicity. They can also be recycled and reused multiple times without losing their effectiveness. ILs based on imidazolium cation are preferred for structural organization aspects, with a semiorganized layer surrounding the catalyst. ILs act as a container, providing a confined space that allows modulation of electronic and geometric effects, miscibility of reactants and products, and residence time of species. ILs can stabilize ionic and radical species and control the catalytic activity of dynamic processes. Supported IL phase (SILP) derivatives and polymeric ILs (PILs) are good options for molecular engineering of greener catalytic processes. The major factors governing metal, photo-, electro-, and biocatalysts in ILs are discussed in detail based on the vast literature available over the past two and a half decades. Catalytic reactions, ranging from hydrogenation and cross-coupling to oxidations, promoted by homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts in both single and multiphase conditions, are extensively reviewed and discussed considering the knowledge accumulated until now.

Exploring the interfacial behavior of ruthenium complexes in ionic liquids: implications for supported ionic liquid phase catalysts

The interaction of metal complexes with ionic liquids, with a particular focus on the stability and surface concentration of the metal centers, is crucial in applications involving catalysts based on supported ionic liquids. In this study, we synthesized the complexes [Ru(tpy)(bpy)Cl][PF6] and [Ru(tpy)(dcb)Cl][PF6] (tpy = 2,2',2''-terpyridine, bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine, dcb = 4,4'-dicarboxy-2,2'-bipyridine) and we prepared solutions using the ionic liquids (ILs) 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate [C2C1Im][OAc] and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate [C4C1Im][PF6]. The chemical environment of the Ru(II) metal center and the interfacial behavior of the complexes in the different IL solutions were determined using angle-resolved X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (ARXPS). In [C4C1Im][PF6], [Ru(tpy)(bpy)Cl][PF6] maintains its chemical structure, while in [C2C1Im][OAc], partial changes in the chemical environment of the Ru center are indicated by XPS, likely due to ligand exchange. The presence of carboxylic acid functional groups in the bipyridyl ligand seems to inhibit this ligand exchange. The investigated complexes do not exhibit surface activity but are depleted from the IL/gas interface. These findings hold significance for the design of new supported ionic liquid phase catalysts based on Ru complexes.

Formation and Surface Behavior of Pt and Pd Complexes with Ligand Systems Derived from Nitrile-functionalized Ionic Liquids Studied by XPS

We studied the formation and surface behavior of Pt(II) and Pd(II) complexes with ligand systems derived from two nitrile-functionalized ionic liquids (ILs) in solution using angle-resolved X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (ARXPS). These ligand systems enabled a high solubility of the metal complexes in IL solution. The complexes were prepared by simple ligand substitution under vacuum conditions in defined excess of the coordinating ILs, [C₃ CNC₁ Im][Tf₂ N] and [C₁ CNC₁ Pip][Tf₂ N], to immediately yield solutions of the final products. The ILs differ in the cationic head group and the chain length of the functionalized substituent. Our XPS measurements on the neat ILs gave insights in the electronic properties of the coordinating substituents revealing differences in donation capability and stability of the complexes. Investigations on the composition of the outermost surface layers using ARXPS revealed no surface affinity of the nitrile-functionalized chains in the neat ILs. Solutions of the formed complexes in the nitrile ILs showed homogeneous distribution of the solute at the surface with the heterocyclic moieties preferentially orientated towards the vacuum, while the metal centers are rather located further away from the IL/vacuum interface.

Understanding X-ray Photoelectron Spectra of Ionic Liquids: Experiments and Simulations of 1-Butyl-3-methylimidazolium Thiocyanate

We demonstrate a combined experimental and computational approach to probe the electronic structure and atomic environment of an ionic liquid, based on core level binding energies. The 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium thiocyanate [C₄C₁Im][SCN] ionic liquid was studied using ab initio molecular dynamics, and results were compared against previously published and new experimental X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) data. The long-held assumption that initial-state effects in XPS dominate the measured binding energies is proven correct, which validates the established premise that the ground state electronic structure of the ionic liquid can be inferred directly from XPS measurements. A regression model based upon site electrostatic potentials and intramolecular bond lengths is shown to account accurately for variations in core-level binding energies within the ionic liquid, demonstrating the important effect of long-range interactions on the core levels and throwing into question the validity of traditional single ion pair ionic liquid calculations for interpreting XPS data.

Intensifying strategy of ionic liquids for Pd-based catalysts in anthraquinone hydrogenation

Pd–IL complex catalyst was first employed in anthraquinone hydrogenation. ILs are uniformly dispersed around Pd species, which adjust acidic sites, accomplish charge transfers, stretch CO bond lengths and promote occurrence of desirable reactions.

Tuning the Cation-Anion Interactions by Methylation of the Pyridinium Cation: An X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy Study of Picolinium Ionic Liquids

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy is used to investigate the impact of methylation on the electronic environment of pyridinium cations. Because of the electron-donating effect of the methyl group, there is a significant increase in electron density on the cationic nitrogen. The shift of the N 1s binding energy is inversely proportional to the anion basicity. The methylation position on the electronic environment of the cationic nitrogen is investigated. The N 1s binding energy follows the trend: 1-octylpyridinium > 1-octyl-3-picolinium > 1-octyl-4-picolinium > 1-octyl-2-picolinium, which is in good agreement with the cation acidity. The increase in the inductive effect subsequently weakens the cation-anion interactions through charge transfer from the anion to the cation, causing a subtle change in the electronic environment of the anion. Such an effect is noticeably reflected in the Br 3d binding energy. It shows that the Br 3d_5/2 binding energy of 1-octyl-2-picolinium bromide is 0.2 eV lower than that of 1-octylpyridinium bromide.