Recent developments in the study of ionic liquid interfaces using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and potential future directions.

A perspective is given on the potential of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy to investigate ionic liquid (IL) interfaces and related bulk properties. To allow for cross-correlation of different IL properties, the study is restricted to imidazolium-based systems. By systematic variation of alkyl chain lengths, by investigation of different anions, and by introduction of functional groups detailed information on surface orientation, enrichment effects, cation-anion interactions, and the correlation to macroscopic properties such as density and surface tension of ILs are derived. Furthermore, the molecular arrangement and growth behaviour of ultrathin ionic liquid layers on various substrates, in situ monitoring of chemical reactions, and the dissolution of transition metal complexes are addressed. This journal is © the Owner Societies 2012