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Thiophene-based ionic liquids: synthesis, physical properties, self-assembly and oxidative polymerization.

Journal Article · · Polymers for Adv. Tech.
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1002/pat.1200· OSTI ID:979866
Preparation and polymerization of methylimidazolium-based ionic liquids (ILs) that incorporate a thiophene moiety at the terminus of a C{sub 10} alkyl chain are described. Both a bromide and nitrate salt of the amphiphilic thiophene IL self-assembles in water (albeit the nitrate to a lesser extent), adopting columnar mesophases. Polarized optical microscopy and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) studies show that at low water content the IL-water binary mixtures form liquid crystalline mesophases possessing significant short-range ordering due to strong {pi} interactions between adjacent thiophene moieties. At higher water content, the short-range ordering is lost, but long-range ordering persists up to ca. 45% (w/w) water. The chemical oxidative coupling of the nitrate monomer yields a highly water-soluble polymer. Electrochemical studies show that the polymer possesses a high oxidation potential (1.95 V) and thus, is resistant to chemical doping. In dilute aqueous solution, electronic absorption spectroscopy and X-ray scattering show the polymer adopts a random, coil-like conformational state. Slight improvement in the polymer conformation can be achieved by exchange of the counter anion.
Research Organization:
Argonne National Laboratory (ANL)
Sponsoring Organization:
SC
DOE Contract Number:
AC02-06CH11357
OSTI ID:
979866
Report Number(s):
ANL/MSD/JA-61684
Journal Information:
Polymers for Adv. Tech., Journal Name: Polymers for Adv. Tech. Journal Issue: 10 ; Jul. 2008 Vol. 19; ISSN 1042-7147; ISSN PADTE5
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
ENGLISH