(698a) Impact of Ionic Liquid Molecular Structure On Intersurface Forces In Nano-Confined Films

Gaining a fundamental understanding of the way ionic liquid (IL) molecular structure impacts thin film properties (<50 nm) plays an increasingly important role in advancing numerous energy-related technologies, especially when combined with the ability to control IL molecular structure.  We present results from surface forces apparatus (SFA) measurements across thin films of IM_10RNTf₂-based ILs and discuss the ways the structure of the IL cations impact ordering in nano-confined films.  We will also discuss the potential of utilizing SFA measurements for studying IL-solid interfaces [1]. These measurements show that slight changes in IL ion structure impact both the short range oscillatory forces and thin film viscosity of ILs and can help guide the rational design of ILs for optimizing the material properties that are necessary for specific applications. 

[1] Min YJ, et al., J. Phys. Chem. C 113(37), 2009, 16445