Ionic liquids (ILs) are salts with melting points below 100 °C. Typically, they are characterized by an extremely low vapour pressure. Since their physical and chemical properties can be tailored over a wide range, they represent a fascinating class of liquid materials with interesting applications in catalysis. One important concept is the SCILL approach, that is, a Solid Catalyst with Ionic Liquid Layer. Thereby, a high surface area solid substrate is covered with a thin IL film, and this film modifies catalytically active surface sites at the support. The interfaces of the IL with catalytic nanoparticles and/or support materials are thus of critical importance. These interfaces can be investigated in great detail under well-defined ultrahigh vacuum conditions using surface science methods like angle-resolved XPS, and variable-temperature STM and AFM, along with <i>in situ</i> deposition of ultrathin IL films on solid supports. The obtained information includes the adsorption geometry, the thermal stability, and growth mode of IL on various single crystal surfaces. A number of examples will be discussed.

On the interaction of ionic liquids with single crystal surfaces

ACS Spring 2022

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.