Synthesis of hydrogen-bond-enriched, fluorescent and triboelectric hyperbranched polymers via Michael addition reaction

Abstract

It is very meaningful to realize color recognition and mechanical-electrical energy conversion in one material simultaneously, which is very essential in improving the equipment of border guards. However, simultaneously endowing one material with color regonition and mechanical-electrical energy conversion presents challenges because they result from different mechanism. Herein, a series of hyperbranched polymers, HP9, HP10, and HP11, were synthesized via the Michael addition reaction to solve the dilemma. Extensive hydrogen bonding was embedded into these hyperbranched polymers, so that the polymers exhibit good triboelectrification ability. The voltage output is about 347 V, the current output is about 2.8 μA, and the charge quantity is about 150 nC, respectively. Moreover, the polymers display excellent fluorescence under 365 nm ultraviolet light based on the mechanism of aggregation-induced emission (AIE). Furthermore, the thermodynamic behavior and mechanical properties of the hyperbranched polymers can be regulated by adjusting the content of the hard segments. The Young's modulus and strength gradually increase with the increase of the hard segment unit. The Young’s modulus, strength and toughness of HP10 are 3.72 MPa, 2.69 MPa and 19.55 MJ/m3, respectively. The combination of fluorescence and frictional electrification will have great application potential in the equipment of border guards.