Template-assisted Synthesis of Polymer - Li Composites with Fractal Patterns

Abstract

A facile route for the synthesis of polymer-lithium halide composites with fractal patterns ranging from the nanoto microscale has been developed by employing a two-step template-assisted approach at room temperature. First, polydimethyl diallyl ammonium chloride (PDDA) is synthesized through the controlled polymerization of the monomers inside the interlayers of montmorillonite (MMT). Subsequently, the PDDA-MMT is used as a template to react with LiCl/THF solution. The polymer segments were separated from the MMT interlayer space by employing a reverse ionexchange process. It was found that the morphology of the fractal patterns can be controlled by varying the polymerization concentration of the monomer. It is concluded that the limited polymerization of PDDA and the reverse ion-exchange process produce the non-equilibrium conditions that serve as the critical factors in forming the fractal patterns. The mechanism for the formation of the fractal structure is proposed and discussed in detail.