Bulk self-assembly and ionic conductivity of a block copolymer containing an azobenzene-based liquid crystalline polymer and a poly(ionic liquid)

Abstract

A block copolymer containing a liquid crystalline polymer and a poly(ionic liquid) self-assembles and can be used as a solid electrolyte.

Thin-Film Self-Assembly of Block Copolymers Containing an Azobenzene-Based Liquid Crystalline Polymer and a Poly(ionic liquid)

“…21 We achieved a high ionic conductivity of 5.81 × 10 −4 S cm −1 at 140 °C from the lamellar phase of an IL-based BCP in bulk. 20 However, the microphase-separated structures of BCPs with a PIL and a nonionic block are usually not oriented in the melt state, and thus the selective ion transport channels in one direction are difficult to construct. 24 Fortunately, thin-film selfassembly of BCPs provides a feasible way for preparing films with large-scale uniaxially oriented nanostructures.…”

“…Block copolymers (BCPs) composed of two or more incompatible blocks can self-assemble into periodic nanometer-scaled structures with complementary properities. − Ionic liquid (IL)-based BCPs containing at least one PIL segment are relatively new and unique BCPs, and they have shown perspectives as new functional materials that combine the distinctive properties of the two blocks, such as possessing both high conductivity and good mechanical strength. − …”

LC‐Polymers and Smectic Phases with Special Substructures/Nanophase Segregation

“…[ 119–124 ] In recent years the synthesis of such block copolymers was changed to methods of controlled radical polymerization or ring‐opening‐metathesis‐polymerization. [ 125–129 ] This made a direct synthesis of many block‐copolymers possible and led to the first systems, in which both blocks are LC. [ 125,127–129 ] This can be i) polymers with two rod‐like LC‐blocks, ii) polymers with two or three blocks of LC‐side chain polymers, or iii) polymers, which combine a central block of the LC‐main chain type and two peripheral blocks of the LC‐side chain type.…”

“…LC block‐copolymers have also been used to prepare thin films with channels filled with polymeric ionic liquids (NO LC). [ 126 ] It is thereby the advantage that the block‐copolymer can change its two‐phase morphology on clearing of the LC phase. [ 126 ] This produces a switch to change the ionic conductivity of the film as a function of temperature.…”

“…[ 126 ] It is thereby the advantage that the block‐copolymer can change its two‐phase morphology on clearing of the LC phase. [ 126 ] This produces a switch to change the ionic conductivity of the film as a function of temperature.…”