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.
Nanochemistry Research Institute, Department of Chemistry, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Perth, Western Australia 6845 (Australia).
Eva Alvarez
EA
de Eulate
Nanochemistry Research Institute, Department of Chemistry, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Perth, Western Australia 6845 (Australia).
Debbie S
DS
Silvester
Nanochemistry Research Institute, Department of Chemistry, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Perth, Western Australia 6845 (Australia). d.arrigan@curtin.edu.au.
Damien W M
DW
Arrigan
capacitance; liquid-liquid interfaces; proton transfer; room temperature ionic liquids; voltammetry