Ionic liquid glasses: properties and applications

Ionic liquids (ILs) are considered as an alternative to conventional organic solvents used in industry, and the distinctive physical and chemical properties of these substances are being actively investigated. Ionic liquids can be applied in a number of areas, including polymerization reactions, catalysis and biomedicine. Although the overwhelming majority of studies are focused on the liquid state of ILs, an understanding of their properties in a glassy state can stimulate innovations in organic synthesis, energy storage and cryopreservation. This review aims at a systematic description of the properties and applications of ILs in the glassy state, which has not been published previously and appears relevant and demanded by the scientific community. The bibliography includes 286 references.