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Unstable Supramolecular Structure of [Bmim][BF 4 ] in Aqueous Solution
Author(s) -
Wu Bo,
Zhang Li,
Zhang Yu Mei,
Wang Hua Ping
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
chemistry – a european journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.687
H-Index - 242
eISSN - 1521-3765
pISSN - 0947-6539
DOI - 10.1002/chem.200901098
Subject(s) - van der waals force , aqueous solution , ionic liquid , counterion , chemical physics , supramolecular chemistry , hydrogen bond , chemistry , dynamic light scattering , transmission electron microscopy , vesicle , ionic bonding , hydrophobic effect , chemical engineering , crystallography , nanotechnology , materials science , ion , nanoparticle , molecule , organic chemistry , crystal structure , biochemistry , membrane , engineering , catalysis
To unravel the exact composition and structure of aggregates in an aqueous solution of 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([Bmim][BF 4 ]), we performed static and dynamic light‐scattering measurements, as well as transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Results from this work show that the aggregates are vesicles and unstable; herein, we discuss the driving force behind the self‐assembly. Apart from the van der Waals forces and repulsive electrostatic interactions between adjacent cation clusters, the hydrogen‐bonding forces as well as counterion effects might also contribute to this driving force. The information obtained here is useful for a better understanding of the vital role that aggregation behavior plays in the field of ionic liquid recovery, and its potential use in controlled release, drug delivery, and petroleum recovery.