Density and viscosity measurements of room temperature ionic liquids using patterned Quartz Crystal Microbalances

Ionic liquids are becoming of increasing interest for an extensive range of applications. Small scale characterization processes are being continually researched to find cheap and efficient methods for processing ever smaller sample volumes. This work presents a dual Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM) setup with one smooth, and one patterned surface using chemically compatible materials allowing separate viscosity and density measurements of room temperature ionic liquids. Measurements were corroborated with standard measurement techniques and show good agreement, demonstrating the merit of the dual QCM setup in determining the physical properties of these exciting new solvents.