1-butyl 3 methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethane sulfonyl) imide (bmIm-bistriflimide)

1. – + 1.0 0.1 OHD-OKE signal Data and theoretical fit. Data cover more than three decades of time and three decades of signal amplitude. 0.01 0.001 t (ps) Room Temperature Ionic LiquidsThe Influence of Lithium CationsMichael D. Fayer, Stanford University, DMR 0652232 Room temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) are the object of extensive study due to their unique properties including very low vapor pressure and non-flammability, selective reaction medium, etc. RTILs are being studied actively as alternative solvents in lithium ion batteries, which currently use organic compounds as solvents. Organic solvents present safety issues due to volatility and high flammability. Thus RTILs could become greener and safer alternatives. The Fayer group has made great progress in understanding the effects of lithium cations, on the dynamics of bmIm-bistriflimide (see fig.), which is important because of its redox properties. Optical heterodyne detected optical Kerr effect (OHD-OKE) experiments were used to study the dynamics as a function of Li+ concentration and temperature. The experimental results, (see fig.), indicate that there is a structural and dynamical break at a Li+-bistriflimide mole fraction of 0.19. The nature of the change is illustrated schematically in the bottom figure.The solvation of Li+ changes from two anions to four anions. 1-butyl 3 methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethane sulfonyl) imide (bmIm-bistriflimide) T = 296 K

2. Bringing Quantum Chemistry to the PublicMichael D. Fayer, Stanford University, DMR 0652232 The book, “Absolutely Small – How Quantum Theory Explains Our Everyday World,” by Michael D. Fayer has just arrived in bookstores. The book presents quantum theory and its applications to the world around us without math. It is intended for layman and scientists who are not knowledgeable about how the natural world surrounding us is filled with quantum phenomena. Why are cherries red and blueberries? Why is CO2 a green house gas? What is light and how can particles seemingly be in two places at the same time? Why does an electric stove element get hot and glow red? “Absolutely Small” develops quantum theory’s fundamental concepts and then goes on to explain the nature of atoms, what holds atoms together to form molecules, and the shapes of molecules. Understanding of molecules and quantum phenomena is then used to explain important aspects of the world around us. The book will give non-experts tremendous insight into the importance of doing research to understand and control matter at the atomic and molecular level.