Researchers at Virginia Tech have developed a new method for removing frost from surfaces using electrostatic defrosting (EDF), which can remove up to 75% of the frost without the need for heat or chemicals. The approach uses high voltage to polarize the frost, creating an electric field that detaches microscopic ice crystals.
Scientists found that ionic liquids, formed from sulfuric acid and organic compounds, could persist on planets too warm for water to exist. This discovery increases the habitability zone for rocky worlds, suggesting life might be possible without water.
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Researchers have developed new coarse-grained (CG) models to simulate ionic liquids (ILs), addressing their high viscosity in molecular dynamics simulations. These models offer deeper insights into IL structure-property relationships and enable applications in biological and electrochemical systems.
Scientists at KAUST discovered how free water compromises battery life and performance, but also found a solution with affordable salts like zinc sulfate. The study showed that sulfate reduces the amount of free water in batteries, increasing their lifespan by more than ten times.
Researchers have solved the crystal structure of tetra-n-butylammonium bromide hydrate (TBAB) hydrate, a semiclathrate hydrate used in air conditioning. The unique tetragonal superstructure explains its heat storage characteristics and provides new design principles for hydrate-based functional materials.
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The world's first thousand-ton-scale ionic liquid-based regenerated cellulose fiber project has officially commenced operations in Henan Province, China. The technology uses non-volatile, stable ionic liquids as solvents to replace toxic solvents, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by an estimated 5,000 tons per year.
Researchers develop a gel polymer electrolyte with a localized high-concentration solvation structure, enabling solid-state batteries to operate at 4.7 V with high energy density and cycling stability. The new electrolyte also exhibits exceptional safety characteristics, including no electrolyte leakage or combustion.
Researchers developed a hybrid electrolyte combining potassium trifluoromethanesulfonate with EMIMNTf₂ to reduce water evaporation and suppress side reactions. The resulting electrolyte exhibits high electrochemical stability and reliable operation in extreme temperatures.
Magnetic nanoparticles are guided to tumors using a magnet and heated by a laser to destroy cancer cells. Researchers developed nanoparticles that outperform conventional photothermal agents, killing cancer cells with high efficiency.
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Droplets of a specific organic liquid emit laser light when an electric field is applied, demonstrating electrically switchable 'laser pixels.' A 2x3 array of these droplets can be controlled individually for high-density displays.
Liquid-based electronic materials offer inherent flexibility and conformability, mitigating mechanical mismatches between human tissues and electronic devices. These materials have been demonstrated in various applications such as strain sensors, touch sensors, implantable stimulators, encapsulation solutions, and adhesives.
A new type of gel developed by MLU chemists improves the safety and service life of lithium-ion batteries. Initial lab studies show that it also enhances battery performance, remaining stable at over five volts.
Researchers explore key interaction sites and pathways in advanced materials for efficient ammonia capture. Functional absorbents, porous solid adsorbents and membrane materials are reviewed for their properties and potential applications.
The research aims to develop a new method for detecting foodborne viruses like norovirus and hepatitis A in time to prevent or quickly respond to an outbreak. The technology uses magnetic liquids to concentrate viruses from large food samples into smaller volumes, streamlining the detection process.
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The study determines the acidity of ionic liquids using Raman spectroscopy, revealing a significant advance in understanding these complex media. The research provides a valuable tool for modeling these systems, enabling the development of acid-catalysed processes and battery applications.
Researchers developed a technique to separate well-mixed mixtures, creating an economically viable process for synthesizing and purifying ionic liquids like [bmim][BF4]. High-purity [bmim][BF4] was produced with a purity exceeding 99%, and the recovered layer containing methylimidazole could be recycled.
Glassy gels are a new class of materials that combine the properties of glassy polymers and gels, with unique characteristics including high elasticity and adhesive surfaces. The materials were created by mixing liquid precursors with an ionic liquid, resulting in a hard yet stretchable material.
Researchers developed a novel air-handleable garnet-type solid electrolyte technology that improves surface and internal properties, preventing contamination layer formation. This innovation enables the creation of ultra-thin lithium solid-state batteries with high energy density and low weight.
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Researchers from Doshisha University have developed a cost-effective method to produce valuable hydrocarbons from CO2. The study uses an ionic liquid containing metal hydroxides as the electrolyte, achieving high current efficiencies for ethylene and propane production.
Researchers developed polymeric protective films to improve anode interface stability in sulfide-based all-solid-state batteries. The films, made from various polymers, showed improved interfacial stability and high-capacity retention rates after multiple cycles.
Researchers have discovered a new type of pyrochlore-type oxyfluoride with high ionic conductivity and air stability, suitable for electric vehicles, airplanes, and miniaturization applications. The material exhibits low activation energy and operates within a wide temperature range.
Scientists have created a novel organosilica membrane using imidazolium-type ionic liquids, achieving high selectivity and permeability in separating organic liquid mixtures. The findings suggest that this technology has the potential to replace energy-intensive distillation processes in chemical industries.
In a groundbreaking study, researchers observed that battery ions change direction and return to previous positions before resuming their random travels. The 'fuzzy memory' of the ions lasts just a few billionths of a second but will help scientists predict ion behavior.
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Using machine learning and computational modeling, Washington State University researchers found six good candidates for solvents that can extract materials on the moon and Mars usable in 3D printing. The solvents, called ionic liquids, are salts in a liquid state.
Researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology discovered a breakthrough approach to stabilize aptamers using ionic liquids. The team found that these liquid-based environments can shield nucleic acids from enzymes, preserving their functions up to 6.5 million times longer than conventional methods.
Scientists at the University of California - Riverside have developed a fire-safe fuel that cannot ignite without an external electrical current. This breakthrough could significantly reduce the risk of wildfires and improve energy efficiency.
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Scientists have developed a new approach to study molecular behavior in confined spaces, allowing for real-time tracking of individual molecules within nanofluidic structures. This breakthrough enables the use of single-photon emitters as nanoscale probes, providing unprecedented insights into molecular properties and behaviors.
A new strategy uses ionic liquid to induce deep grafting of polyelectrolytes onto polyamide layers, improving separation selectivity and resistance to fouling in nanofiltration membranes. This enhances water purification and resource recovery processes.
Scientists at Argonne National Laboratory discovered a new fluoride electrolyte that can protect lithium metal batteries against performance decline. The electrolyte maintains a robust protective layer on the anode surface for hundreds of cycles, enabling the battery to last longer.
A research team has developed an organic redox polymer that surpasses the capacity of graphite, enabling aluminium-ion batteries to store up to 167 milliampere hours per gram. The battery retains 88% of its capacity after 5,000 charge cycles at 10 C.
Researchers developed a mechanically tough gel electrolyte to protect lithium metal anodes, significantly improving cycling stability. The achievement may facilitate practical use of high-performance lithium metal anodes in batteries.
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Researchers are working on a new concept for lithium-air batteries that could lead to significant improvements in energy storage capacity. A collaborative project in Germany aims to test new materials and components to enhance the stability of these battery cells. The goal is to overcome technical challenges such as unstable electrolyt...
A research team reviewed recent electrochemical CO₂ reduction with ionic liquids, focusing on C1 products like CO, CH₃OH, CH₄, and syngas. They found that CO is the only profitable product among the studied options, while others are too costly.
Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory demonstrate a new color-shifting strategy that relies on interactions between lasers and vibrational energy in ionic liquids. The method offers an efficient and customizable approach to shift laser colors, with applications in science, industry, and medicine.
A research team has developed a method to easily synthesize a self-healing polymer gel made of ultrahigh molecular weight (UHMW) polymers and non-volatile ionic liquids. The gel exhibits superior mechanical properties, high self-healing capabilities, and can be recycled via thermal processing.
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A team of researchers used molecular dynamics simulations and electrochemical 3D atomic force microscopy to study the electric double layer structure of an ionic liquid on crystalline electrodes. They found that intermolecular interactions among cations and anions are stronger than electrode-specific interactions, proposing a key descr...
Researchers found that certain molten salts can suppress dye aggregation in dye-sensitized solar cells, improving their performance. The introduction of these ionic liquids enhances photovoltaic parameters without significantly impacting dye adsorption.
Researchers found that two-dimensional ionic liquids exhibit anomalous stepwise melting processes, leading to high CO2 adsorption capacity and structural robustness. This technology could provide a new method for precise control and functional design of liquids, promising various chemical engineering applications.
Researchers at UBC create ionic skins made of flexible hydrogels that use ions to carry an electrical charge. These hydrogels can generate voltages when touched, producing a piezoionic effect that allows them to detect pressure and other stimuli. The technology has potential applications in prosthetics, wearable sensors, and body impla...
Researchers from Tokyo University of Science have designed a tunable physical reservoir device based on dielectric relaxation at an electrode-ionic liquid interface. The system can store and process analog signals, enabling real-time processing of signals in living environments.
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Scientists have created a quasi-solid-state cathode for solid-state lithium metal batteries, achieving significant reduction in interfacial resistance. The new design uses an ionic liquid to maintain excellent contact with the electrolyte, promising new directions in battery development.
A team of researchers created a theoretical model demonstrating the difference in electrical differential capacitance between polymeric and ordinary ionic liquids. They predict a huge increase in capacitance for polymeric ionic liquids compared to regular ionic liquids with the same chemical composition.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new material with remarkable toughness and stretchiness, comparable to cartilage. The ionogels created by the team exhibit self-healing and shape memory properties, making them suitable for various applications.
Researchers investigated the effect of temperature on Ionic-liquid-modified non-precious metal catalysts for oxygen reduction reactions, demonstrating that IL modification significantly increases ORR activity and stability, even at elevated temperatures. The study confirms the SCILL concept's potential in improving LTFCs.
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A new theoretical model of supercapacitors takes into account cation properties to increase electric differential capacitance. The authors believe this will lead to the creation of more powerful energy sources in the future.
A Mayo Clinic team developed an ionic liquid formulation that killed cancer cells and allowed for uniform distribution of a chemotherapy drug into liver tumors and other solid tumors. This discovery could solve challenges in drug delivery to tumors, particularly for patients with liver cancer awaiting a transplant.
Researchers have made significant progress in understanding the proton conduction mechanism in protic ionic liquids, a key component in fuel cells. The study reveals that the mechanism shifts from proton hopping to vehicle mechanism with increasing acidity, enabling the development of new hydrogen ion conductors.
Researchers have successfully visualized how carbon dioxide behaves in an ionic liquid that selectively absorbs CO2. The findings are expected to help develop more efficient methods to capture CO2, a major factor causing global warming.
Researchers at Harvard have developed an ionic forcefield coating that allows nanoparticles to bypass the immune system's first line of defense. In mouse experiments, coated nanoparticles survived longer in the body and reached their target location with increased efficiency.
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Researchers developed feasible approaches for durable perovskite photovoltaics by addressing internal instability, chemical degradation, and environmental factors. Compositional engineering and bonding passivation are promising methods to improve device durability.
A nonflammable ionic liquid electrolyte has been developed for potassium batteries, allowing for the creation of safe and efficient batteries. The battery demonstrated high energy and power density, retaining around 89% of its original capacity after 820 cycles with a coulombic efficiency of 99.9%.
Researchers have developed a new technique to fabricate tiny circuits from ultrathin materials for next-generation electronics. Plants are being engineered to produce new molecules with enhanced properties, while lignin is transformed into a precursor for a useful chemical with wide range of applications
Electrochemical doping enhances optical and electrical properties of single-walled carbon nanotube films, increasing conductivity while suppressing optical transitions. The reversible method facilitates high doping levels, opening new avenues for future electronics and electrochromic devices.
Researchers have developed self-powered 'paper chips' that sense early forest fires and relay a signal. The thermoelectric paper sensors are made from eco-friendly materials and can be wirelessly transmitted to responders.
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Magnetic ionic liquids (MIL) Emim[FeCl4] and Bmim[FeCl4] were examined at room temperature, revealing paramagnetic to antiferromagnetic behavior. A hybrid reverse Monte Carlo method combined X-ray scattering measurements with molecular simulation to reveal precise coordination structures.
The synthesis of coumarin derivatives can be performed using various green chemistry methods, including ultrasound, microwaves, and solvent-free synthesis. These methods reduce the utilization and generation of toxic organic substances, while also enhancing product yields and purity.
Researchers are exploring the use of ionic liquids as a more sustainable and efficient way to produce industrial materials like fibers and fuels. The unique properties of these molten salts make them an attractive alternative to traditional solvents, with potential applications in chemical synthesis, biomass refining, and energy storage.
Researchers introduce a new water purification method using magnetic nanoparticles coated with an ionic liquid, effectively removing organic, inorganic, and microbial contaminants. The nanoparticles can be easily removed with magnets, making them a promising starting point for decentralized water purification systems.
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Rats fed a high-fat diet showed 12% less body weight gain after ingesting an ionic liquid containing choline and geranate once daily for 30 days. The treatment also decreased food intake and intestinal fat uptake by 60-70%.
The FinEstBeAMS beamline at the MAX IV Laboratory in Sweden has conducted its first scientific experiments, studying the electronic structure of three ionic liquids. The research aims to understand the properties of ionic liquids for their application potential in supercapacitors.