An approach is presented to solve the reverse problem of statistical mechanics: reconstruction of interaction potentials from radial distribution functions. The method consists of the iterative adjustment of the interaction potential to known radial distribution functions using a Monte Carlo simulation technique and statistical-mechanics relations to connect deviations of canonical averages with Hamiltonian parameters. The method is applied to calculate the effective interaction potentials between the ions in aqueous NaCl solutions at two different concentrations. The reference ion-ion radial distribution functions, calculated in separate molecular dynamics simulations with water molecules, are reproduced in Monte Carlo simulations, using the effective interaction potentials for the hydrated ions. Application of the present method should provide an effective and economical way to simulate equilibrium properties for very large molecular systems (e.g., polyelectrolytes) in the presence of hydrated ions, as well as to offer an approach to reduce a complexity in studies of various associated and aggregated systems in solution.

Ionic liquids (ILs) and deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have been suggested as eco-friendly alternatives to organic solvents. A trace amount of water is often unavoidable as impurity, and water is also added on purpose to reduce their problematically high viscosity and lower their high price. Understanding the distinct effects of water on the properties of ILs/DESs is highly important. In this review, we collect published experimental and theoretical results for IL/DES–H₂O systems at varied water concentrations and analyze them. Results from mechanistic studies, thermodynamic modelling and advanced experiments are collected and critically discussed. Six commonly studied IL/DES–H₂O systems were selected to map experimental observations onto microscopic results obtained in mechanistic studies. A great variety of distinct contours of the excess properties can be observed over the entire compositional range, indicating that the properties of IL/DES–H₂O systems are highly unpredictable. Mechanistic studies clearly demonstrate that the added H₂O rapidly changes the heterogeneous 3D structures of pure ILs/DESs, leading to very different properties and behaviour. There are similarities between aqueous electrolytes and IL/DES solutions but the bulky and asymmetric organic cations in ILs/DESs do not conform to the standard salt dissolution and hydration concepts. Thermodynamic modelling previously assumes ILs/DESs to be either a neutral ion-pair or completely dissociated ions, neglecting specific ion hydration effects. A new conceptual framework is suggested for thermodynamic modelling of IL/DES–H₂O binary systems to enable new technologies for their practical applications.

Ionic liquids (ILs) are a special category of molten salts solely composed of ions with varied molecular symmetry and charge delocalization. The versatility in combining varied cation–anion moieties and in functionalizing ions with different atoms and molecular groups contributes to their peculiar interactions ranging from weak isotropic associations to strong, specific, and anisotropic forces. A delicate interplay among intra- and intermolecular interactions facilitates the formation of heterogeneous microstructures and liquid morphologies, which further contributes to their striking dynamical properties. Microstructural and dynamical heterogeneities of ILs lead to their multifaceted properties described by an inherent designer feature, which makes ILs important candidates for novel solvents, electrolytes, and functional materials in academia and industrial applications. Due to a massive number of combinations of ion pairs with ion species having distinct molecular structures and IL mixtures containing varied molecular solvents, a comprehensive understanding of their hierarchical structural and dynamical quantities is of great significance for a rational selection of ILs with appropriate properties and thereafter advancing their macroscopic functionalities in applications. In this review, we comprehensively trace recent advances in understanding delicate interplay of strong and weak interactions that underpin their complex phase behaviors with a particular emphasis on understanding heterogeneous microstructures and dynamics of ILs in bulk liquids, in mixtures with cosolvents, and in interfacial regions.