How do ions move in self-assembled ionic structures ? – MoveYourIon

MoveYourIon is a basic research project encompassing contemporary fundamental issues in functional soft matter, with particular focus on the impact of confinement at the nanoscale on ionic transport, a major topic in condensed matter physics. The project aims at establishing the fundamental attributes of ionic mobility within model self-assembled structures. We will explore systematically the generic relation between chemical architecture (nature of anion and cation, length of chains, hydration level), morphology and ion transport/transfer properties in a versatile class of thermotropic ionic liquid crystals (TILCs) together with their polymerized counterparts, obtained by Thermal of UV curing. Preliminary results on synthesis, nanostructure and ion dynamics, established that the selected compounds are ideal materials to modulate the size and (1D-2D-3D) dimensionality of the ionic network. Therefore, we will probe the features of ion dynamics in strongly confining nanochannels of controlled topology and connectivity on time- and length-scales spanning ten decades, by combining multiple advanced techniques: Quasi Elastic Neutron Scattering (molecular scale), Molecular Dynamics Simulations (molecular and nanoscale), Advanced Impedance Techniques (mesoscale), NMR relaxometry (mesoscale), PFG-NMR (microscale), and conductivity measurements (macroscale). We envision a comprehensive understanding of (anomalous) diffusion mechanisms for ions including H+, Li+, Na+, Cs+, and divalent cations (Mg2+, Ca2+), all species of paramount interest in energy, environment, nano/bio-technology applications. In our intentions, MoveYourIon will establish key drivers for tunable and dimensionality-controlled ionic transport and provide lacking fundamental bricks needed for an effective incorporation into devices of soft ionic materials as solid electrolytes, selective membranes or biosensor films.