Martina Ambrogi

Harnessing Poly(ionic liquid)s for Sensing Applications

The interest in poly(ionic liquid)s for sensing applications is derived from their strong interactions to a variety of analytes. By combining the desirable mechanical properties of polymers with the physical and chemical properties of ILs, new materials can be created. The tunable nature of both ionic liquids and polymers allows for incredible diversity, which is exemplified in their broad applicability. In this article we examine the new field of poly(ionic liquid) sensors by providing a detailed look at the current state-of-the-art sensing devices for solvents, gases, biomolecules, pH, and anions.

Salt-confinement enables production of nitrogen-doped porous carbons in an air oven

The production of nitrogen-doped porous carbons in an air oven at 750 °C with high surface area (≥500 m2 g−1), carbonization yield up to 35 wt% and tuneable nitrogen content from ionic liquids was reported. It utilized inorganic halide salts as the reaction medium, the activation agents, and the physical barrier. This method was successfully expanded to recyclable sea salt and natural sources, such as nucleobase (adenine) and biomass (oak leaves).

Fast Conversion of Ionic Liquids and Poly(Ionic Liquid)s into Porous Nitrogen-Doped Carbons in Air

Ionic liquids and poly(ionic liquid)s have been successfully converted into nitrogen-doped porous carbons with tunable surface area up to 1200 m2/g at high temperatures in air. Compared to conventional carbonization process conducted under inert gas to produce nitrogen-doped carbons, the new production method was completed in a rather shorter time without noble gas protection.