Progress of investigations on structures and interactions of ionic liquids by infrared spectroscopy and raman spectroscopy

Abstract

Experimental methods, theoretical calculations as well as computer simulations are the three most often used approaches to investigate the microscopic properties and interactions of ionic liquids (ILs). The relationship between the structure and properties of ILs, which is the foundation for designing new functional ionic liquids and promoting their applications in cleaner production, are not thoroughly understood. Recently, spectroscopic methods have been developed to study the structures of solutions. Among the various spectroscopic methods, infrared spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy play important roles in investigations on the structural properties and interactions of ionic liquids. We thus review the applications and progress of these two spectroscopic methods on structural and property studies of pure ionic liquids and ionic liquids/solvent mixtures. Additionally, we address the associated challenges and prospects. © Editorial office of Acta Physico-Chimica Sinica.