Electrochemical Approach for Studying Local Dynamic Heterogeneity of Ionic Liquids Applied to Neoteric Boroniums

Ionic liquids (ILs) are liquid salts (below ca. 100 °C) whose ions can be designed to impart unique physicochemical properties. An emergent class of ILs based on the boronium cation (BILs) can have unique zwitterionic structure within the cation that presents potential for electrochemical applications. In the present study we first show how broadband dielectric spectroscopy (BDS) can be used to evaluate local dynamic heterogeneity in imidazolium-based ionic liquid systems. We then apply this approach to a series of BILs (coupled with the bis(trifluoro-methanesulfonyl)imide ([Tf 2 N] – ) anion), whose cationic structures show similar features, suggesting may have potential to promote more favorable ion transport for application in supercapacitors. Preliminary cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy data will also be shown that evaluates the chemical stability of each BILs when combined with common electrode materials.