Density Functional Theory Study of EmimBF4 Ionic Liquid Monomer and their Interaction with CO₂ in Ionic Liquid Environments: Insights from Vibrational Spectra Analysis

Abstract

In order to improve our knowledge of cation-anion interactions in ionic liquids, we optimized the 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([EMImBF4]), and their interactions with CO₂, with a focus on structural properties and vibrational behavior relevant to chemical applications such as carbon capture. By using density functional theory (DFT), the structures of the cation, anions, and cation-anion ion pairs of [EMImBF4] with CO₂ were optimized. Vibrational spectroscopy was employed to emphasize structural properties, and vibrational frequencies of EMImBF4 and EMImBF4-CO₂ (monomer) compounds were calculated. The scaled values were compared to experimental far-infrared and far-infrared Raman spectra to validate the theoretical findings.The study identified the most stable geometries of [EMImBF4] and [EMImBF4]-CO₂ interactions, showing specific vibrational modes upon interaction with CO₂ that align well with experimental data. These insights highlight the potential of [EMImBF4] in gas separation and capture, demonstrating its unique physicochemical properties and reinforcing the importance of understanding IL-CO₂ interactions for developing efficient carbon capture technologies.