Ionic liquid drop impact onto heated surfaces

The Leidenfrost effect causes liquid droplets, like water or ethanol, to levitate over hot surfaces due to an insulating vapor layer. This process limits heat transfer, leading researchers to find ways to suppress it. Remarkably, our experimental findings show that ionic liquids do not exhibit the Leidenfrost phenomena, despite similar impact speed and surface temperature. Their superior thermal stability prevents the Leidenfrost effect, opening exciting possibilities for enhancing a variety of thermal processes, including cooling and coating applications.