<i>Ionenes</i> are a class of condensation polymers wherein the charged moieties are located directly within the backbone rather than as pendants. We have recently investigated the design and synthesis of high-performance (HP) ionenes which incorporate structural and functional features associated with HP engineering polymers. These ionenes incorporate imidazolium cations (paired with Tf2N) along the main chain, alternating with robust functional linkages (i.e. amide, imide, benzoxazole, sulfone). Our synthetic methods are highly versatile and take advantage of established chemistries to design complex building blocks that impart great control over repeat unit structure and regiochemistry through systematic manipulation of substituent position and monomer end groups. The modular design of bulky bis(imidazole) and dihalide monomers, polymerized via the Menshutkin reaction, allows for incorporation of alternating functional elements spaced by ionic moieties. These ionenes exhibit good thermal and mechanical properties, and are extremely tailorable based on methodical combination of diverse monomers and linkages, allowing for innumerable potential derivatives. Due to the combined effects of functional and ionic components on intermolecular interactions, these HP ionenes exhibit intriguing self-assembly and nanostructuring. The addition of “free” imidazolium-based ionic liquids or functional ionic fillers into the polymer matrix contributes another degree of tunability, coordinating polymer chains to promote additional structuring and stability. The thermophysical behavior of these HP-ionene composites are characterized in order to develop structure-property relationships which dictate the potential application space. These ionenes and composites are tested in various applications including gas separation membranes, fibers, coatings, and 3D printing materials.

Development and synthesis of ionene composites inspired by high-performance polymers

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

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ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.