Issue 41, 2023

Unlimiting ionic conduction: manipulating hydration dynamics through vibrational strong coupling of water

Abstract

The energy states of molecules and the vacuum electromagnetic field can be hybridized to form a strong coupling state. In particular, it has been demonstrated that vibrational strong coupling can be used to modify the chemical dynamics of molecules. Here, we propose that ion dynamics can be altered through modifications of the dynamic hydration structure in a cavity vacuum field. We investigated the effect of different electrolyte species on ionic conductivity. Infrared spectroscopy of aqueous electrolyte solutions within the cavity confirmed the formation of vibrational ultrastrong coupling of water molecules, even in the presence of electrolytes. Interestingly, we observed significant enhancements in ionic conductivity, for specific alkali cations, particularly those classified as structure-breaking cations. These enhancements cannot be explained within the current theoretical framework for liquid electrolytes. Our analysis suggests that the vibrational strong coupling modifies the local dielectric friction experienced by hydrated ions. In addition, we propose the enthalpic and entropic modification of ionic conductivity through the systematic investigation of the hydration properties of different electrolytes. This study unveils the potential role of polaritons for exploring uncharted spaces in the design of materials with enhanced ionic conduction. Harnessing the unique properties of strong coupling and its influence on hydration dynamics could lead to the development of novel electrolytes and advancements in the field of ionic conduction.

Graphical abstract: Unlimiting ionic conduction: manipulating hydration dynamics through vibrational strong coupling of water

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Article information

Article type
Edge Article
Submitted
02 Jul 2023
Accepted
30 Sep 2023
First published
02 Oct 2023
This article is Open Access

All publication charges for this article have been paid for by the Royal Society of Chemistry
Creative Commons BY-NC license

Chem. Sci., 2023,14, 11441-11446

Unlimiting ionic conduction: manipulating hydration dynamics through vibrational strong coupling of water

T. Fukushima, S. Yoshimitsu and K. Murakoshi, Chem. Sci., 2023, 14, 11441 DOI: 10.1039/D3SC03364C

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