The effect of the anion fraction on the physicochemical properties of EMIm(HF)nF (n = 1.0-2.6).

A series of molten salts EMIm(HF)nF's with different n values has been synthesized by the reaction of EMImHF(2) and anhydrous hydrogen fluoride. The salts contain EMIm cation and some oligomeric fluorohydrogenate anions, (HF)nF-, of which the fraction changes with the change of n. A phase diagram of EMIm(HF)nF's (n = 1.0-2.6) has been constructed which suggests the presence of the stoichiometric compounds, EMIm(HF)1.5F and EMIm(HF)2F, in this range. Compared to the EMIm(HF)2.3F previously reported, EMIm(HF)nF's (n = 1.8-2.0) possess wider liquid temperature ranges because of their similar melting points and superior thermal stabilities at elevated temperatures. The electrochemical windows of EMIm(HF)nF's (n = 1.0-2.6) falls in the range of 2.9-3.4 V. The conductivity of EMIm(HF)nF's (n = 1.0-2.6) increases with the increase of n.