PNNL

Abstract

We present a short review of recent computational and experimental studies of surfaces of inorganic salt solutions with polar non-aqueous solvents. These investigations complement our knowledge about aqueous interfaces, showing that liquids such as formamide, liquid ammonia, or ethylene glycol can also surface segregate large polarizable anions like iodide, albeit less efficiently than water. For liquids, the surface of which is plagued with hydrophobic groups (such as methanol), the surface ion effect all but disappears. Based on the present data, a general picture of inorganic ion solvation at the solution/vapor interface of polar liquids is outlined. This work was supported by the Office of Basic Energy Sciences of the Department of Energy, in part by the Chemical Sciences program and in part by the Engineering and Geosciences Division. The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory is operated by Battelle for the U.S. Department of Energy.