Morphology of Imidazolium-Based Ionic Liquids as Deposited by Vapor Deposition: Micro-/Nanodroplets and Thin Films

The morphology of micro‐ and nanodroplets and thin films of ionic liquids (ILs) prepared through physical vapor deposition is presented. The morphology of droplets deposited on indium‐tin‐oxide‐coated glass is presented for the extended 1‐alkyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([CnC1im][Ntf2]; n=1–8) series, and the results show the nanostructuration of ILs. The use of in‐vacuum energetic particles enhances/increases the nanodroplets mobility/coalescence mechanisms and can be a pathway to the fabrication of thin IL films. Just a drop! Nanodroplets of ionic liquids (ILs) can be prepared by vapor deposition (see figure). The use of in‐vacuum energetic particles can be a pathway to the fabrication of thin IL films.