Cluster Morphology-Polymer Dynamics Correlations in Sulfonated Polystyrene Melts: Computational Study

From Molecular Constraints to Macroscopic Dynamics in Associative Networks Formed by Ionizable Polymers: A Neutron Spin Echo and Molecular Dynamics Simulations Study

The association of ionizable polymers strongly affects their motion in solutions, where the constraints arising from clustering of the ionizable groups alter the macroscopic dynamics. The interrelation between the motion on multiple length and time scales is fundamental to a broad range of complex fluids including physical networks, gels, and polymer-nanoparticle complexes where long-lived associations control their structure and dynamics. Using neutron spin echo and fully atomistic, multimillion atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations carried out to times comparable to that of chain segmental motion, the current study resolves the dynamics of networks formed by suflonated polystryene solutions for sulfonation fractions 0 ≤ f ≤ 0.09 across time and length scales. The experimental dynamic structure factors were measured and compared with computational ones, calculated from MD simulations, and analyzed in terms of a sum of two exponential functions, providing two distinctive time scales. These time constants capture confined motion of the network and fast dynamics of the highly solvated segments. A unique relationship between the polymer dynamics and the size and distribution of the ionic clusters was established and correlated with the number of polymer chains that participate in each cluster. The correlation of dynamics in associative complex fluids across time and length scales, enabled by combining the understanding attained from reciprocal space through neutron spin echo and real space, through large scale MD studies, addresses a fundamental long-standing challenge that underline the behavior of soft materials and affect their potential uses.

Bead-Spring Simulation of Ionomer Melts-Studying the Effects of Chain-Length and Associating Group Fraction on Equilibrium Structure and Extensional Flow Behavior

Ionomers are associative polymers with diverse applications ranging from selective membranes and high-performance adhesives to abrasion- and chemical-resistant coatings, insulation layers, vacuum packaging, and foamed sheets. Within equilibrium melt, the ionic or associating groups are known to form thermally reversible, associative clusters whose presence can significantly affect the system's mechanical, viscoelastic, and transport properties. It is, thus, of great interest to understand how to control such clusters' size distribution, shape, and stability through the designed choice of polymer architecture and the ionic groups' fraction, arrangement, and interaction strength. In this work, we represent linear associating polymers using a Kremer-Grest type bead-spring model and perform large-scale MD simulations to explore the effect of polymer chain-length (l) and fraction (fs) of randomly placed associating groups on the size distribution and stability of formed clusters. We consider different chain-lengths (below and above entanglement), varying fractions of associating groups (represented by 'sticky' beads) between 5 and 20%, and a fixed sticky-sticky nonbond interaction strength of four times that between regular non-associating beads. For all melts containing associating groups the equilibrium structure factor S(q) displays a signature ionomer peak at low wave vector q whose intensity increases with increasing fs and l. The average cluster size Nc increases with fs. However, the effect of chain-length on Nc appears to be pronounced only at higher values of fs. Under extensional flows, the computed stress (and viscosity) is higher at higher fs and l regardless of strain rate. Beyond a critical strain rate, we observe fragmentation of the associative clusters, which has interesting effects on the stress/viscous response.

Perspective: Morphology and ion transport in ion-containing polymers from multiscale modeling and simulations

Ion-containing polymers are soft materials composed of polymeric chains and mobile ions. Over the past several decades they have been the focus of considerable research and development for their use as the electrolyte in energy conversion and storage devices. Recent and significant results obtained from multiscale simulations and modeling for proton exchange membranes (PEMs), anion exchange membranes (AEMs), and polymerized ionic liquids (polyILs) are reviewed. The interplay of morphology and ion transport is emphasized. We discuss the influences of polymer architecture, tethered ionic groups, rigidity of the backbone, solvents, and additives on both morphology and ion transport in terms of specific interactions. Novel design strategies are highlighted including precisely controlling molecular conformations to design highly ordered morphologies; tuning the solvation structure of hydronium or hydroxide ions in hydrated ion exchange membranes; turning negative ion-ion correlations to positive correlations to improve ionic conductivity in polyILs; and balancing the strength of noncovalent interactions. The design of single-ion conductors, well-defined supramolecular architectures with enhanced one-dimensional ion transport, and the understanding of the hierarchy of the specific interactions continue as challenges but promising goals for future research.

A Perspective on the Design of Ion-Containing Polymers for Polymer Electrolyte Applications

Ion-containing polymers have numerous potential applications as energy storage and conversion devices, water purification membranes, and gas separation membranes, to name a few. Given the low dielectric constant of the media, ions and charges on polymers in a molten state interact strongly producing large effects on chain statistics, thermodynamics, and diffusion properties. Here, we discuss recent research accomplishments on the effects of ionic correlation and dielectric heterogeneity on the phase behavior of ion-containing polymers. Progress made in studying ion transport properties in these material systems is also highlighted. Charged block copolymers (BCPs), among all kinds of ion-containing polymers, have a particular advantage owing to their robust mechanical support and ion conducting paths provided by the segregation of the neutral and charged blocks. Coulombic interactions among the charges play a critical role in determining the phase segregation in charged BCPs and the domain size of charge-rich regions. We show that strongly charged BCPs display ordered phases as a result of electrostatic interactions alone. In addition, bulky charge-containing side groups attached to the charged block lead to the formation of morphologies that provide continuous channels and better dissociation for ion conduction purposes. Finally, a few avenues for designing ion-containing polymers for energy applications are discussed.

Structured Ionomer Thin Films at Water Interface: Molecular Dynamics Simulation Insight

Controlling the structure and dynamics of thin films of ionizable polymers at water interfaces is critical to their many applications. As the chemical diversity within one polymer is increased, controlling the structure and dynamics of the polymer, which is a key to their use, becomes a challenge. Here molecular dynamics simulations (MD) are used to obtain molecular insight into the structure and dynamics of thin films of one such macromolecule at the interface with water. The polymer consists of an ABCBA topology with randomly sulfonated polystyrene (C), tethered symmetrically to flexible poly(ethylene-r-propylene) blocks (B), and end-capped by a poly(t-butylstyrene) block (A). The compositions of the interfacial and bulk regions of thin films of the ABCBA polymers are followed as a function of exposure time to water. We find that interfacial rearrangements take place where buried ionic segments migrate toward the water interface. The hydrophobic blocks collapse and rearrange to minimize their exposure to water. The water that initially drives interfacial reengagements breaks the ionic clusters within the film, forming a dynamic hydrophilic internal network within the hydrophobic segments.

Dynamics of Charged Species in Ionic-Neutral Block Copolymer and Surfactant Complexes

Structure-property relationships of ionic block copolymer (BCP) surfactant complexes are critical toward the progress of favorable engineering design of efficient charge-transport materials. In this article, molecular dynamics simulations are used to understand the dynamics of charged-neutral BCP and surfactant complexes. The dynamics are examined for two different systems: charged-neutral double-hydrophilic and hydrophobic-hydrophilic block copolymers with oppositely charged surfactant moieties. The dynamics of the surfactant head, tails, and charges are studied for five different BCP volume fractions. We observe that the dynamics of the different species solely depend on the balance between electrostatic and entropic interactions between the charged species and the neutral monomers. The favorable hydrophobic-hydrophobic interactions and the unfavorable hydrophobic-hydrophilic interactions determine the mobilities of the monomers. The dynamical properties of the charge species influence complex formation. Structural relaxations exhibit length-scale dependent behavior, with slower relaxation at the radius of gyration length-scale and faster relaxation at the segmental length-scale, consistent with previous results. The dynamical analysis correlates ion-exchange kinetics to the self-assembly behavior of the complexes.

Nanoscale Aggregation in Acid- and Ion-Containing Polymers

In this review we summarize recent efforts in understanding nano-aggregation in acid- and ion-containing polymer systems. The acid and ionic groups have specific interactions that drive aggregation and alter polymer behavior at the nano-, micro-, and bulk length scales. Advancements in synthetic methods, characterization techniques, and computer simulations have enabled researchers to better understand the morphologies and dynamics, particularly at the nanoscale. This overview of recent advancements in nano-aggregated polymer systems highlights the current understanding of the field and presents promising directions for future investigations and new applications.

Soft nanoparticles: nano ionic networks of associated ionic polymers

Directing the formation of nanostructures that serve as building blocks of membranes presents an immense step towards engineering controlled polymeric ion transport systems. Using the exquisite atomic detail captured by molecular dynamics simulations, we follow the assembly of a co-polymer that consists of polystyrene sulfonate tethered symmetrically to hydrophobic blocks, realizing a new type of long lived solvent-responsive soft nanoparticle.