“High thermal stability” is a cherished and oft-touted attribute of ionic liquids. Unfortunately, the generalization is badly flawed. In fact, most ionic liquids are no more thermally stable than are ordinary organic materials, and there are known molecular organics with (apparently) higher thermal stabilities than the most thermally stable ILs. In this presentation, clarification of terminology surrounding the topic will be first discussed, and an outline of approaches used to establish ‘thermal stability’ provided. Then, the underlying structural and compositional reasons for the non-extraordinary level of IL thermal stability will be introduced, followed by a discussion of recent advances in circumventing these impediments. Finally, future strategies for improving thermal stability will be proposed that should prompt serious reconsideration of ionic liquids and molten salts as being distinct from one another, with future thermally stable ILs likely to be systems incorporating both molecular organic components and metal ions.

Like trying to build airplanes with rocks: The challenge of creating ionic liquids with high thermal stability

ACS Spring Meeting 2021

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