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Ionic liquids self-organize into columns
A new class of ionic liquids that self-assemble into liquid-crystal columnar structures could potentially be used as electrolytes in nanoscale batteries, according to its discoverers. AUTHORS synthesized two ionic liquids, each consisting of two incompatible parts: an imidazolium-based ionic part and an insulating tris(alkyloxy)phenyl part that contains either octyl or dodecyl chains. The imidazolium part forms a one-dimensional ionic path inside the column with the alkyloxy aromatic part on the outside. The compounds exhibit hexagonal columnar phases over a wide range of temperatures, including room temperature. Even with their 1-D order, the ionic liquids retain the fluidity of solvents, AUTHOR tells. The researchers measured the 1-D ionic conductivities of the liquids using cells with comb-shaped gold electrodes. The group showed that incorporation of lithium salts, such as LiBF4, in the columnar materials enhances their ionic conductivities and anisotropy. "These materials would be useful for transportation of ions, energy, and information at the nanometer level," the authors suggest.



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