Materials making use of thin ionic liquid (IL) films as support-modifying functional layer open up a variety of new possibilities in heterogeneous catalysis, which range from the tailoring of gas-surface interactions to the immobilization of molecularly defined reactive sites. The present report reviews recent progress towards an understanding of "supported ionic liquid phase (SILP)" and "solid catalysts with ionic liquid layer (SCILL)" materials at the microscopic level, using a surface science and model catalysis type of approach. Thin film IL systems can be prepared not only ex-situ, but also in-situ under ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) conditions using atomically well-defined surfaces as substrates, for example by physical vapor deposition (PVD). Due to their low vapor pressure, these systems can be studied in UHV using the full spectrum of surface science techniques. We discuss general strategies and considerations of this approach and exemplify the information available from complementary methods, specifically photoelectron spectroscopy and surface vibrational spectroscopy.

Aiming at a better understanding of the interaction of ionic liquid (IL) thin films with oxide supports, we have performed a model study under ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) conditions. We apply infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy (IRAS) in combination with density functional theory (DFT). Thin films of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide [BMIM][Tf(2)N] are grown on an atomically flat, well-ordered alumina film on NiAl(110) using a novel UHV-compatible evaporator. Time-resolved IRAS measured during the growth and subsequent thermal desorption points toward reversible molecular adsorption and desorption. There was no indication of decomposition. The vibrational bands are assigned with the help of DFT calculations. Strong relative intensity changes in individual [Tf(2)N](-) bands are observed in the monolayer region. This indicates pronounced orientation effects for the anion. The adsorption geometry of [Tf(2)N](-) is determined on the basis of a detailed comparison with DFT. The results suggest that [Tf(2)N](-) anions adopt a cis conformation in the submonolayer region. They adsorb in a slightly tilted orientation with respect to the surface, mainly interacting with the support via the sulfonyl groups.

No abstract

To elucidate the dehydrogenation mechanism of dodecahydro-N-ethylcarbazole (H(12)-NEC) on supported Pd catalysts, we have performed a model study under ultra high vacuum (UHV) conditions. H(12)-NEC and its final dehydrogenation product, N-ethylcarbazole (NEC), were deposited by physical vapor deposition (PVD) at temperatures between 120 K and 520 K onto a supported model catalyst, which consisted of Pd nanoparticles grown on a well-ordered alumina film on NiAl(110). Adsorption and thermally induced surface reactions were followed by infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy (IRAS) and high-resolution X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (HR-XPS) in combination with density functional theory (DFT) calculations. It was shown that, at 120 K, H(12)-NEC adsorbs molecularly both on the Al(2)O(3)/NiAl(110) support and on the Pd particles. Initial activation of the molecule occurs through C-H bond scission at the 8a- and 9a-positions of the carbazole skeleton at temperatures above 170 K. Dehydrogenation successively proceeds with increasing temperature. Around 350 K, breakage of one C-N bond occurs accompanied by further dehydrogenation of the carbon skeleton. The decomposition intermediates reside on the surface up to 500 K. At higher temperatures, further decay to small fragments and atomic species is observed. These species block most of the absorption sites on the Pd particles, but can be oxidatively removed by heating in oxygen at 600 K, fully restoring the original adsorption properties of the model catalyst.

Dodecahydro-N-ethylcarbazole (H12-NEC) has been proposed as a potential liquid organic hydrogen carrier (LOHC) for chemical energy storage, as it combines both favourable physicochemical and thermodynamic properties. The design of optimised dehydrogenation catalysts for LOHC technology requires a detailed understanding of the reaction pathways and the microkinetics. Here, we investigate the dehydrogenation mechanism of H12-NEC on Pd(111) by using a surface-science approach under ultrahigh vacuum conditions. By combining infrared reflection-absorption spectroscopy, density functional theory calculations and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, surface intermediates and their stability are identified. We show that H12-NEC adsorbs molecularly up to 173 K. Above this temperature (223 K), activation of C-H bonds is observed within the five-membered ring. Rapid dehydrogenation occurs to octahydro-N-ethylcarbazole (H8-NEC), which is identified as a stable surface intermediate at 223 K. Above 273 K, further dehydrogenation of H8-NEC proceeds within the six-membered rings. Starting from clean Pd(111), C-N bond scission, an undesired side reaction, is observed above 350 K. By complementing surface spectroscopy, we present a temperature-programmed molecular beam experiment, which permits direct observation of dehydrogenation products in the gas phase during continuous dosing of the LOHC. We identify H8-NEC as the main product desorbing from Pd(111). The onset temperature for H8-NEC desorption is 330 K, the maximum reaction rate is reached around 550 K. The fact that preferential desorption of H8-NEC is observed even above the temperature threshold for H8-NEC dehydrogenation on the clean surface is attributed to the presence of surface dehydrogenation and decomposition products during continuous reactant exposure.