01 Jun
2023
Impact of water and metal oxide nanoparticles on the structure and properties of 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium methylsulfate ionic liquid for solar thermal applications
Authors :- Pandey D.K., Joshi N., Singh D.K.
Publication :- Materials Today Communications, Volume 35, 2023, 105727.
For the first time, the impact of water and metal-oxide nanoparticles (MONPs) on the electronic structure and optical properties of 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium methylsulfate (C2mim MS) ionic liquid (IL) is reported. Off-switching of cation-anion interaction and emergence of new peak at 2970 cm−1 was observed indicating change in the interaction strength and conformation of ethyl chain upon dilution. Optical absorption properties and viscosity of neat IL significantly enhanced by dispersing a very low volume fraction of MONPs. DFT calculations provide a clue of the formation of a protective layer of IL around NPs owing to simultaneous cationic-anionic interaction with the MONPs.