Imidazolium-containing, hydrophobic-ionic-hydrophilic ABC triblock copolymers: synthesis, ordered phase-separation, and supported membrane fabrication

Journal Article · Tue Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 2013 · Soft Matter

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1039/c3sm51085a· OSTI ID:1211261

Wiesenauer, EF; Nguyen, PT; Newell, BS; Bailey, TS; Nobleb, RD; Gin, DL

Novel ABC triblock copolymers containing hydrophobic, imidazolium ionic liquid (IL)-based ionic, and non-charged hydrophilic blocks were synthesized by direct sequential, ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) of three chemically immiscible norborene monomers. The resulting ABC triblock copolymers were found by small-angle X-ray scattering to phase-separate into different nanostructures in their pure melt states, depending on their block sequence and compositions. Supported composite membranes of these triblock copolymers were successfully fabricated with defect-free, <= 20 microns thick top coatings. Preliminary CO2/light gas transport studies demonstrated the potential of this new type of IL-based block copolymer material for gas separation applications.

• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE Advanced Research Projects Agency - Energy (ARPA-E)
• DOE Contract Number: DE-AR0000098
• OSTI ID: 1211261
• Journal Information: Soft Matter, Vol. 9, Issue 33; ISSN 1744-683X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English