Ionic and Molecular Materials of High Thermal Stability: Design, Structure, and Function

在这个由化学学部化学结构、动力学和机理B项目资助的项目中，南阿拉巴马大学化学系的James Davis教授和他的学生正在探索一种新型离子液体盐的合成、表征和性能。所研究的盐被期望具有高度的耐热性，并在很长一段时间内保持其液体特性，不蒸发、不分解或不可燃性。这种类型的盐可以用作更传统液体的替代品，应用范围从传热流体和高性能润滑剂到生物质加工和重要电子材料（如半导体）的合成。该项目汇集了化学合成以及材料科学和工程的元素，并为参与的学生提供了从一系列活动中获得经验的广泛机会。由于进行研究的机构为来自科学和工程领域代表性不足的群体的个人提供了很大比例的服务，因此该项目为从事这些社区个人的专业培训提供了重要的机会。离子液体盐是一种具有重要基础价值和日益增长的实用价值的材料。由于其不挥发性，离子液体可用于需要高温的应用，例如传热，润滑或高温材料合成。虽然典型的离子液体盐具有相对较高的热稳定性，但它们中的许多仍然无法在200摄氏度以上的温度下长时间使用。戴维斯教授的研究小组利用四芳基磷盐和三芳基磺化盐，制成了在300摄氏度的温度下能保持三个多月稳定的离子液体盐。正在采取新的策略来改善它们的热稳定性。这些策略包括使用热稳定阴离子、分子交联、石墨烯的掺入以及与聚苯乙烯醚共混。该奖项反映了美国国家科学基金会的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的知识价值和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估，被认为值得支持。

In this project, funded by the Chemical Structure, Dynamics and Mechanism B Program of the Chemistry Division, Professor James Davis and his students of the Department of Chemistry at the University of South Alabama are exploring the synthesis, characterization, and properties of a new type of ionic liquid salts. The salts being investigated are expected are highly resistant to heat and retain their liquid character, without evaporation, decomposition, or flammability, for long periods of time. Salts of this type can be used as substitutes for more traditional liquids in applications ranging from heat transfer fluids and high-performance lubricants to biomass processing and the synthesis of important electronic materials such as semiconductors. The project brings together elements of chemical synthesis as well as material science and engineering, and offers engaged students a broad opportunity for gaining experience from a spectrum of activities. Since the institution at which the research is taking place serves a high proportion of individuals from groups underrepresented in the sciences and engineering, the project provides important opportunities to engage in the professional training of individuals from these communities. Ionic liquid salts are materials of considerable fundamental interest and growing practical utility. Because of their non-volatility, ionic liquids can be used in applications requiring high temperatures, such as in heat transfer, lubrication, or high-temperature materials synthesis. Although typical ionic liquid salts have relatively high degrees of thermal stability, many of them are still incapable of being used for long durations at temperatures above 200 degrees Celsius. By exploiting tetraarylphosphonium and triarylsulfonium salts, ionic liquid salts capable of remaining stable at temperatures of 300 degrees Celsius for periods over three months have been achieved by Professor Davis' group. New strategies are being pursued to improve their thermal stability profile. These strategies include the use of thermally stable anions, cross-linking of the molecules, the incorporation of graphene, and blending with oligophenylene ethers.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.