About the interactions between nanoparticles and imidazolium moieties: emergence of original hybrid materials

In the parallel dramatic development of both nanoparticles and ionic liquids for materials chemistry, remarkable synergy was observed when combining nanoparticles and one type of ionic liquid, namely imidazolium moieties. This feature article highlights the main steps in the use and understanding of such combinations. It starts with a presentation of the use of imidazolium based ionic liquids as synthesis media for the preparation of nanoparticles, under various classical and non-classical processes. Then, the interactions taking place between the nanoparticle surfaces and functionalized or non-functionalized imidazoliums are reviewed. A step-by-step description of the way to new hybrid materials, based on this combination of imidazolium units and nanoparticles, follows. The multiple role of the imidazolium moiety is evidenced. Finally, the main fields of application for the new hybrid materials will be presented.