Aqueous RAFT Polymerization of Imidazolium-Type Ionic Liquid Monomers: En Route to Poly(ionic liquid)-Based Nanoparticles through RAFT Polymerization-Induced Self-Assembly

Solution and Film Self-Assembly Behavior of a Block Copolymer Composed of a Poly(ionic Liquid) and a Stimuli-Responsive Weak Polyelectrolyte

Cu(0)-mediated atom transfer radical polymerization was used to synthesize a poly(ionic liquid), poly[4-vinylbenzyl-3-butylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide] (PVBBImTf2N), a stimuli-responsive polyelectrolyte, poly[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate] (PDMAEMA), and a novel block copolymer formed from these two polymers. The synthesis of the block copolymer, poly[2-(dimethylamino) ethyl methacrylate]-block-[poly(4-vinylbenzyl-3-butylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide] (PDMAEMA-b-PVBBImTf2N), was examined to evaluate the control of "livingness" polymerization, as indicated by molecular weight, characterizations of degree of polymerization, and 1HNMR spectroscopy. 2D DOSY NMR measurements revealed the successful formation of block copolymer and the connection between the two polymer blocks. PDMAEMA-b-PVBBImTf2N was further characterized for supramolecular interactions in both the bulk and solution states through FTIR and 1H NMR spectroscopies. While the block copolymer demonstrated similar intermolecular behavior to the PIL homopolymer in the bulk state as indicated by FTIR, hydrogen bonding and counterion interactions in solution were observed in polar organic solvent through 1H NMR measurements. The DLS characterization revealed that the PDMAEMA-b-PVBBImTf2N block copolymer forms a network-like aggregated structure due to a combination of hydrogen bonding between the PDMAEMA and PIL group and electrostatic repulsive interactions between PIL blocks. This structure was found to collapse upon the addition of KNO3 while still maintaining hydrogen bonding interactions. AFM-IR analysis demonstrated varied morphologies, with spherical PDMAEMA in PVBBImTf2N matrix morphology exhibited in the region approaching the film center. AFM-IR further revealed signals from silica nano-contaminates, which selectively interacted with the PDMAEMA spheres, demonstrating the potential for the PDMAEMA-b-PVBBImTf2N PIL block copolymer in polymer-inorganic nanoparticle composite applications.

Nano-assemblies of phosphonium-functionalized diblock copolymers with fabulous antibacterial properties and relationships of structure-activity

As a novel antimicrobial material, quaternary phosphonium salts (QPSs) have been drawing close attention because of their excellent antimicrobial capacity with high activity and low bacterial survivability. Polymeric QPSs (PQPSs) also exhibit selectivity and long-term stability, however the polymerization of QPSs is severely challenged by low controllability and narrow selectivity of cation type. In this study, high-conversion RAFT polymerization is employed to prepare innovative phosphonium-functionalized diblock copolymers (PFDCs) with desired molecular weights and particle sizes. The excellent antibacterial activity of the PFDCs achieves lowest MIC values of 40 and 60 μg mL^-1 (i.e., 1.4 and 2.2 μmol L^-1) against E. coli and S. aureus, respectively. Mixing with an ink, dye, and latex coating does not weaken the antibacterial activity of the PFDCs, which inhibited 99.9% E. coli, showing broad applicability in different media. The effects of the cation type, synthesis medium, crosslinking content, and particle size on the morphology and antibacterial activity are studied. In summary, the RAFT polymerization of QPSs through the versatile design of ionic liquid monomers and the polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA) method for constructing nano-assemblies with various micromorphology and particle size provides an exceedingly efficient way to build up multifunctional and multi-morphological polymeric nano-objects that open up vast possibilities in the fields of antibiotics, drug delivery, templated synthesis, and catalysis.

RAFT polymerization-induced self-assembly of poly(ionic liquids) in ethanol

Poly(ionic liquids) (PILs) exhibit better durability, processability, and mechanical stability than ionic liquids. PIL self-assembly in green solvents is a well-established strategy for preparing polyelectrolytes. Reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA) has proven to be the most controllable method for synthesizing polyelectrolytes. However, there have been few reports on preparing high-order morphology PILs by RAFT-PISA. A new type of ionic monomer, 1-butyl-3-(4-vinylbenzyl)imidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([BVBIm][PF6]), was prepared from substitution reaction and ion exchange reaction of 1-butylimidazole and 4-vinylbenzyl chloride. Herein, various morphologies, including spheres, worms, and vesicles, were easily obtained via RAFT ethanolic dispersion polymerization using poly(N,N-dimethylacrylamide) (PDMA43) as the macromolecular chain transfer agent and [BVBIm][PF6] as the monomer. Dispersion polymerization kinetic experiments, dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry were used to investigate the PDMA43-b-P([BVBIm][PF6]) x block nanoparticles. This efficient RAFT-PISA method for preparing functionalized PIL nano-objects with controlled morphologies represents significant progress in this field.

Recent advances in poly(ionic liquid)s for biomedical application

Poly(ionic liquid)s (PILs) are polymers containing ions in their side-chain or backbone, and the designability and outstanding physicochemical properties of PILs have attracted widespread attention from researchers. PILs have specific characteristics, including negligible vapor pressure, high thermal and chemical stability, non-flammability, and self-assembly capabilities. PILs can be well combined with advanced analytical instruments and technology and have made outstanding contributions to the development of biomedicine aiding in the continuous advancement of science and technology. Here we reviewed the advances of PILs in the biomedical field in the past five years with a focus on applications in proteomics, drug delivery, and development. This paper aims to engage pharmaceutical and biomedical scientists to full understand PILs and accelerate the progress from laboratory research to industrialization.

Morphological transitions of cationic PISA particles by salt, triflate ions and temperature; comparison of three polycations

Three strong polycation stabilizers, poly((vinylbenzyl) trimethylammonium chloride), PVBTMAC, poly((2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl)trimethylammonium chloride), PMOTAC, and poly((3-acrylamidopropyl) trimethylammonium chloride), PAMPTMAC have been synthesized with reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer, RAFT, reactions. Solubilities of the polycations...

High-Throughput Routes to Biomaterials Discovery

Many existing clinical treatments are limited in their ability to completely restore decreased or lost tissue and organ function, an unenviable situation only further exacerbated by a globally aging population. As a result, the demand for new medical interventions has increased substantially over the past 20 years, with the burgeoning fields of gene therapy, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine showing promise to offer solutions for full repair or replacement of damaged or aging tissues. Success in these fields, however, inherently relies on biomaterials that are engendered with the ability to provide the necessary biological cues mimicking native extracellular matrixes that support cell fate. Accelerating the development of such "directive" biomaterials requires a shift in current design practices toward those that enable rapid synthesis and characterization of polymeric materials and the coupling of these processes with techniques that enable similarly rapid quantification and optimization of the interactions between these new material systems and target cells and tissues. This manuscript reviews recent advances in combinatorial and high-throughput (HT) technologies applied to polymeric biomaterial synthesis, fabrication, and chemical, physical, and biological screening with targeted end-point applications in the fields of gene therapy, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine. Limitations of, and future opportunities for, the further application of these research tools and methodologies are also discussed.

Supramolecular hydrogels prepared from fluorescent alkyl pyridinium acrylamide monomers and CB[8]

Facile synthetic methodology unlocks alkyl pyridinium acrylamide monomers for use in the construction of cucurbit[8]uril mediated dynamic, fluorescent hydrogels.

All poly(ionic liquid) block copolymer nanoparticles from antagonistic isomeric macromolecular blocks via aqueous RAFT polymerization-induced self-assembly

All-poly(ionic liquid) block copolymer nanoparticles are prepared by aqueous RAFT PISA using a couple of isomeric ionic liquid monomers leading to macromolecular building blocks with antagonistic solution behavior in water.

Aqueous Biphasic Systems Containing Customizable Poly(Ionic Liquid)s for Highly Efficient Extractions

Ionic liquid (IL)-based aqueous biphasic systems (ABSs) provide a sustainable and efficient alternative to conventional liquid-liquid extraction techniques and can be used for the extraction, recovery, and purification of diverse solutes. However, the construction of a high-performance ABS that has both excellent phase separation ability and extraction performance remains challenging. This study concerns the preparation of a family of novel ABSs based on poly(ionic liquid)s (PILs) with customized structure and controllable molecular weight for the extraction of bioactive compounds. Several tailor-made PILs consisting of a hydrophobic backbone, hydrophilic imidazolium pendant groups and strong hydrogen bonding basic counteranions are prepared by reversible addition fragmentation chain-transfer polymerization. The PILs have a perfect balance of hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity and functionality, affording outstanding phase separation, which was better than with either the IL monomer poly(1-butyl-3-vinylimidazolium bromide ([BVIm]Br) or the normal free-radical polymer P[BVIm]Br*. More importantly, PIL-based ABSs exhibited unprecedented high partition coefficients for six bioactive compounds including tryptophan, phenylalanine, and caffeine, as well as high extraction yields. The performance of the PIL-based ABSs could also be tuned by changing the molecular weight and anionic character of the PILs. This work shows that tailor-made PIL-based ABSs are a promising platform for bioactive compound extraction and provides significant clues for the design of new ABSs for various applications.

Designing a robust recyclable tricopolymer poly(ionic liquid) macroligand for copper-mediated atom transfer radical polymerization in non-aqueous biphasic systems

Herein, a robust thermoregulated poly(ionic liquid) macroligand was designed, synthesized and applied in an ICAR-based ATRP-TPSC system with efficient recycling/reuse.

A novel reactive phosphonium-containing polyelectrolyte with multiple reactivities: monomer synthesis, RAFT polymerization and post-polymerization modifications

A reactive polyelectrolyte can be defined as a kind of functional polymer which possesses not only the basic properties of a polyelectrolyte but also wide post-polymerization modification possibilities, which can be achieved via various reactions.

What will happen when thermoresponsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) is tethered on poly(ionic liquid)s?

The thermoresponsive ionic liquid diblock copolymer of poly[1-(4-vinylbenzyl)-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate]-block-poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (P[VBMI][BF₄]-b-PNIPAM) containing a hydrophilic poly(ionic liquid) block of P[VBMI][BF₄] is prepared by sequential reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. This P[VBMI][BF₄]-b-PNIPAM exhibits an abnormal thermoresponsive phase transition at a temperature above the phase transition temperature (PTT) of the PNIPAM block. For P[VBMI][BF₄]-b-PNIPAM including a short P[VBMI][BF₄] block, its aqueous solution becomes turbid at a temperature above the PTT of the thermoresponsive PNIPAM block, whereas for P[VBMI][BF₄]-b-PNIPAM containing a relatively long P[VBMI][BF₄] block even in the case of a relatively long PNIPAM block, the aqueous solution remains transparent at a temperature far above the PTT of the PNIPAM block, although a soluble-to-insoluble phase transition of the PINIPAM block is confirmed by dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis and variable temperature ¹H NMR analysis. The reason that P[VBMI][BF₄]-b-PNIPAM exhibits an abnormal thermoresponse is discussed and ascribed to the highly hydrophilic and charged poly(ionic liquid) block of P[VBMI][BF₄] leading to the formation of small-sized micelles at a temperature above the PTT.

Efficient metal-free strategies for polymerization of a sterically hindered ionic monomer through the application of hard confinement and high pressure

In this paper, we have studied the effect of both hard confinement (nanoporous membranes treated as nanoreactors) and high pressure (compression of system) on the progress of free-radical (FRP) and reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerizations of selected hardly polymerizable, sterically hindered imidazolium-based ionic monomer 1-octyl-3-vinylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide ([OVIM][NTf2]). These two innovative approaches, affecting (in a different way) the free volume of the polymerizing system, allows the reduction of the number of toxic substrates/catalysts, satisfying the requirement of green chemistry. It was found that at both conditions (high compression and confinement) the polymerizability of monomer, as well as the control over the reaction and the properties of the produced polyelectrolytes, have increased significantly. However, it should be added that there were noticeable differences between FRP carried out under confinement and at high pressures. Interestingly, by appropriate variation in thermodynamic conditions, it was possible to synthesize polymers of moderate molecular weight (M n ∼ 58 kg mol-1) and relatively low dispersity (Đ ∼ 1.7); while for the reaction performed within AAO pores of varying diameter (d = 35 nm and d = 150 nm), macromolecules of higher M n but slightly broader dispersity indices (Đ ∼ 2.2-2.7) were recovered. On the other hand, RAFT polymerization carried out under confinement and at elevated pressures yielded polymers with well-defined properties. Noteworthy is also the fact that nanopolymerization leads to polymers of comparable M n to those obtained at high-pressure studies but at significantly shorter reaction time (t ∼ 2 hours). We believe that the presented data clearly demonstrated that both examined approaches (the compression and application of alumina templates, treated as nanoreactors) could be successfully used as additional driving forces to polymerize sterically hindered monomers and produce well-defined polymers in relatively short times. At the same time, it should be mentioned that both proposed polymerization methods enabled us to omit the addition of metal-based initiators/catalysts, which seem to be a crucial step towards further development of the alternative green synthesis of polyelectrolytes in the future.

Alcohol-based PISA in batch and flow: exploring the role of photoinitiators

Polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA) via PhotoRAFT (photoinduced reversible addition–fragmentation radical transfer) was investigated in polar solvents via continuous flow reactors.

Photo-Controlled Polymerization-Induced Self-Assembly (Photo-PISA): A Novel Strategy Using In Situ Bromine-Iodine Transformation Living Radical Polymerization

A series of hydrophilic poly(poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate) (PPEGMA) macroinitiators and stabilizers are synthesized in methanol through in situ photo-controlled bromine-iodine transformation living radical polymerization, where ethyl α-bromophenylacetate (EBPA) is the initial initiator and is converted to an iodo-type initiator in the presence of NaI. The subsequent photo-controlled polymerization-induced self-assembly (photo-PISA) process is achieved by adding a second monomer, hydrophobic benzyl methacrylate (BnMA), under irradiation with blue light emitting diode (LED) light at room temperature. The effect of the target degree of polymerization (DP) of PPEGMA, PBnMA, as well as the solids content on the self-assembly behavior of block copolymer PPEGMA-b-PBnMA is evaluated by gel permeation chromatography (GPC), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and dynamic light scattering (DLS) characterization. Resulting uniform spherical micelles and vesicle aggregates are observed.

Frontiers in poly(ionic liquid)s: syntheses and applications

We review recent works on the synthesis and application of poly(ionic liquid)s (PILs). Novel chemical structures, different synthetic strategies and controllable morphologies are introduced as a supplement to PIL systems already reported. The primary properties determining applications, such as ionic conductivity, aqueous solubility, thermodynamic stability and electrochemical/chemical durability, are discussed. Furthermore, the near-term applications of PILs in multiple fields, such as their use in electrochemical energy materials, stimuli-responsive materials, carbon materials, and antimicrobial materials, in catalysis, in sensors, in absorption and in separation materials, as well as several special-interest applications, are described in detail. We also discuss the limitations of PIL applications, efforts to improve PIL physics, and likely future developments.

Synthesis of poly(ionic liquid)-based nano-objects with morphological transitionsviaRAFT polymerization-induced self-assembly in ethanol

A full range of morphologies including spheres, worms and vesicles was observed in poly(ionic liquid)-based block copolymer nano-objectsviaethanolic dispersion polymerization.

Topological engineering of amphiphilic copolymers via RAFT dispersion copolymerization of benzyl methacrylate and 2-(perfluorooctyl)ethyl methacrylate for polymeric assemblies with tunable nanostructures

RAFT dispersion copolymerization of benzyl methacrylate and 2-(perfluorooctyl)ethyl methacrylate enables the regulation of the nanostructure of polymer assemblies.

Photoinitiated Polymerization-Induced Self-Assembly (Photo-PISA): New Insights and Opportunities

The polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA) process is a useful synthetic tool for the efficient synthesis of polymeric nanoparticles of different morphologies. Recently, studies on visible light initiated PISA processes have offered a number of key research opportunities that are not readily accessible using traditional thermally initiated systems. For example, visible light mediated PISA (Photo-PISA) enables a high degree of control over the dispersion polymerization process by manipulation of the wavelength and intensity of incident light. In some cases, the final nanoparticle morphology of a single formulation can be modulated by simple manipulation of these externally controlled parameters. In addition, temporal (and in principle spatial) control over the Photo-PISA process can be achieved in most cases. Exploitation of the mild room temperature polymerizations conditions can enable the encapsulation of thermally sensitive therapeutics to occur without compromising the polymerization rate and their activities. Finally, the Photo-PISA process can enable further mechanistic insights into the morphological evolution of nanoparticle formation such as the effects of temperature on the self-assembly process. The purpose of this mini-review is therefore to examine some of these recent advances that have been made in Photo-PISA processes, particularly in light of the specific advantages that may exist in comparison with conventional thermally initiated systems.

RAFT polymerization to form stimuli-responsive polymers

Stimuli-responsive polymers respond to a variety of external stimuli, which include optical, electrical, thermal, mechanical, redox, pH, chemical, environmental and biological signals. This paper is concerned with the process of forming such polymers by RAFT polymerization.

1,2,3-Triazolium-based linear ionic polyurethanes

We report the synthesis and detailed characterization of a series of ionic polyurethanes issued from the polyaddition of a 1,2,3-triazolium-functionalized diol monomer having a bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide counter-anion with four aliphatic, cycloaliphatic or aromatic commercial diisocyanates.

The synthesis of a hyperbranched star polymeric ionic liquid and its application in a polymer electrolyte

This research provides an effective approach to synthesize a hyperbranched star polymeric ionic liquid, and the prepared polymeric ionic liquid electrolyte shows good electrochemical properties.

A facile route to well-defined imidazolium-based poly(ionic liquid)s of enhanced conductivity via RAFT

Examining the relationship between the glass transition temperature, conductivity and molecular weight of tailored imidazolium-based PILs synthesized via RAFT.

RAFT-mediated, visible light-initiated single unit monomer insertion and its application in the synthesis of sequence-defined polymers

In this communication, we report a catalyst-free methodology for single unit monomer insertion (SUMI) into reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) agents initiated by low intensity visible light.

Unexpected self-assembly, photoluminescence behavior, and film-forming properties of polysiloxane-based imidazolium ionic liquids prepared by one-pot thiol–ene reaction

The synthesis of a series of polysiloxane-based ionic liquids (PNLs) is reported via straightforward thiol–ene reaction with high yield using three kinds of imidazolium ionic liquid monomers.

Preparation of poly(ionic liquid) nanoparticles through RAFT/MADIX polymerization-induced self-assembly

The first RAFT/MADIX polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA) system was successfully developed for the preparation of rod-like poly(ionic liquid) (PIL) nanoparticles.

Cross-linked cationic diblock copolymer worms are superflocculants for micrometer-sized silica particles

A series of linear cationic diblock copolymer nanoparticles are prepared by polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA) via reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) aqueous dispersion polymerization of 2-hydroxypropyl methacrylate (HPMA) using a binary mixture of non-ionic and cationic macromolecular RAFT agents, namely poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO113, Mn = 4400 g mol-1; Mw/Mn = 1.08) and poly([2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]trimethylammonium chloride) (PQDMA125, Mn = 31 800 g mol-1, Mw/Mn = 1.19). A detailed phase diagram was constructed to determine the maximum amount of PQDMA125 stabilizer block that could be incorporated while still allowing access to a pure worm copolymer morphology. Aqueous electrophoresis studies indicated that zeta potentials of +35 mV could be achieved for such cationic worms over a wide pH range. Core cross-linked worms were prepared via statistical copolymerization of glycidyl methacrylate (GlyMA) with HPMA using a slightly modified PISA formulation, followed by reacting the epoxy groups of the GlyMA residues located within the worm cores with 3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane (APTES), and concomitant hydrolysis/condensation of the pendent silanol groups with the secondary alcohol on the HPMA residues. TEM and DLS studies confirmed that such core cross-linked cationic worms remained colloidally stable when challenged with either excess methanol or a cationic surfactant. These cross-linked cationic worms are shown to be much more effective bridging flocculants for 1.0 μm silica particles at pH 9 than the corresponding linear cationic worms (and also various commercial high molecular weight water-soluble polymers.). Laser diffraction studies indicated silica aggregates of around 25-28 μm diameter when using the former worms but only 3-5 μm diameter when employing the latter worms. Moreover, SEM studies confirmed that the cross-linked worms remained intact after their adsorption onto the silica particles, whereas the much more delicate linear worms underwent fragmentation under the same conditions. Similar results were obtained with 4 μm silica particles.

Enhanced Ionic Conductivity of a 1,2,3-Triazolium-Based Poly(siloxane ionic liquid) Homopolymer

A 1,2,3-triazolium-based poly(siloxane ionic liquid) (PSIL) is synthesized by UV-triggered thiol-ene ligation between a poly[(mercaptopropyl)methylsiloxane] and a tailor-made vinyl-functionalized triethylene glycol-based 1,2,3-triazolium ionic liquid. The quantitative nature of the thiol-ene coupling is demonstrated by ¹H and ¹³C NMR, whereas properties of this new PSIL are discussed based on solubility, size exclusion chromatography, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, and broadband dielectric spectroscopy measurements. Besides exhibiting low glass transition temperature (T_g = -62 °C) and high thermal stability (T_d10 = 284 °C), this new class of poly(1,2,3-triazolium) demonstrates the highest value of bulk anhydrous ionic conductivity reported to date for PILs (σ_DC = 7 × 10^-5 S cm^-1 at 30 °C).

Universal mass spectrometric analysis of poly(ionic liquid)s

We introduce a universal high resolution mass spectrometric method for the analysis of poly(ionic liquid)s (PILs), which belong to the most challenging polyelectrolytes from an analytical perspective, by fusing high resolution collision-induced dissociation (CID)-Orbitrap mass spectrometry (MS) with supercharging agents as well as quadrupole time-of-flight (QToF) MS. The study includes a wide array of hydrophilic halide-containing PILs, which were analyzed in negative mode. The influence of the core structures (based on imidazolium, triazolium, ammonium, phosphonium and pyridinium moieties), and variable styrene-, acrylate- and vinyl-type IL polymers on the ionization behavior is mapped in detail. Variable end group functionalities were introduced via functional chain transfer agents (CTA) in reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization to study their behavior during the MS analysis. Furthermore, the demanding class of vinylimidazolium halide IL polymers was investigated. The current contribution thus introduces a new analytical technology platform for an entire polymer class.

In Situ Cross-Linking of Vesicles in Polymerization-Induced Self-Assembly

In situ cross-linking of nano-objects with controllable morphologies in polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA) has been a challenge because cross-linking lowers chain mobility and hence inhibits morphology transition. Herein, we propose a novel strategy that allows in situ cross-linking of vesicles in PISA in an aqueous dispersion polymerization formulation. This is realized by utilizing an asymmetric cross-linker bearing two vinyl groups of differing reactivities such that cross-linking is delayed to the late stage of polymerization when morphology transition has completed. Cross-linked vesicles with varying degrees (1-5 mol %) of cross-links were prepared, and their resistance to solvent dissolution and surfactant disruption was investigated. It was found that vesicles with ≥2 mol % cross-links were able to retain their structural integrity and colloidal stability when dispersed in DMF or in the presence of 1% of an anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate.

Poly(ionic liquid)s with controlled architectures and their use in the making of ionogels with high conductivity and tunable rheological properties

We describe the preparation as well as the electrochemical and mechanical properties of a series of novel well-defined poly(ionic liquids) (PILs) featuring a finely tuned cross-linking ratio.

Poly(1,2,3-triazolium)s: a new class of functional polymer electrolytes

Poly(1,2,3-triazolium)s are tunable and highly functional ion conducting materials that stretch out the actual boundaries of PILs macromolecular design.

Transparent superhydrophobic coatings from amphiphilic-fluorinated block copolymers synthesized by aqueous polymerization-induced self-assembly

Preparation of transparent and superhydrophobic coatings by co-deposition of an aqueous solution of an amphiphilic fluorinated block copolymer with silica was developed.

Use of Polyion Complexation for Polymerization-Induced Self-Assembly in Water under Visible Light Irradiation at 25 °C

Polyion complexation (PIC) as the driving force of polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA), that is, PIC-PISA, is explored. Reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) dispersion polymerization of NH₃⁺-monomer 2-aminoethylacrylamide hydrochloride (AEAM) can be achieved in water under visible light irradiation at 25 °C, using nonionic poly2-hydroxypropylmethacrylamide (PHPMA) macromolecular chain transfer agent in the presence of anionic poly(sodium 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonate) (PAMPS) PIC-template. Sphere-to-network transition occurs, owing to the PIC of PAMPS with growing chains upon reaction close to isoelectric point (IEP); thereafter, the increase of electrostatic repulsion promotes the split of networks and the rupture of spheres into fragments. Therefore, the free-flowing solution becomes viscous liquid and free-standing physical gel, and then back into viscous and free-flowing liquid. Such a PIC-PISA is appealing for gene delivery because the size and surface charge are variable on demand and at high solids.