Relaxation processes in room temperature ionic liquids: The case of 1-butyl-3-methyl imidazolium hexafluorophosphate

A detailed investigation on the nature of the relaxation processes occurring in a typical room temperature ionic liquid (RTIL), namely, 1-butyl-3-methyl imidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([bmim][PF6]), is reported. The study was conducted using both elastic and inelastic neutron scattering over a wide temperature range from 10 to 400 K, accessing the dynamic features of both the liquid and glassy amorphous states. In this study, the inelastic fixed energy scan technique has been applied for the first time to this class of materials. Using this technique, the existence of two relaxation processes below the glass transition and a further diffusive process occurring above the glass-liquid transition are observed. The low temperature processes are associated with methyl group rotation and butyl chain relaxation in the glassy state and have been modeled in terms of two Debye-like, Arrhenius activated processes. The high temperature process has been modeled in terms of a Kohlraush-Williams-Watts relaxation, with a distinct Vogel-Fulcher-Tamman temperature dependence. These results provide novel information that will be useful in rationalizing the observed structural and dynamical behavior of RTILs in the amorphous state.

Psychological processes underlying nurses' handwashing behaviour

Aim/Background Psychological models of behaviour change have been found to be useful in predicting health-related behaviour in patients but have rarely been used in relation to the health behaviour of staff. This study explored the association between a range of psychological variables and self-reported handwashing in a sample of nurses who work in a large general hospital. Method A questionnaire-based cross-sectional, correlational study was used. Questionnaires examining demographics, self-efficacy, perceived importance of handwashing, perception of risk, occupational stress and training related to handwashing were administered to an opportunity sample (n = 76) of nurses drawn from an acute hospital. ANOVAs, correlation and regression analyses were performed to determine significant covariates of handwashing behaviour. Findings There was a weak relationship between demographic variables and self-reported handwashing. The degree to which employees perceived their workplace to assist handwashing and perceived importance of handwashing were related to self-reported handwashing. Accordingly further covariates of these variables were sought. Training received and occupational stress both covaried with nurses’ perceptions of the degree to which their workplace assisted handwashing. Nurses’ beliefs regarding the transmission of infections covaried with perceived importance of handwashing. Conclusion Occupational stress was observed to reduce the perception of having a supportive employer: organisations need to facilitate handwashing and protect staff from factors that have a detrimental impact, such as work-related stress. Nurses’ perceived importance of the potential for poor handwashing practice to contribute to the transmission of infections should be highlighted in interventions.