Precision design of novel poly(ionic liquid) (co)polymers by cobalt-mediated radical polymerization (CMRP)

In recent years, poly(ionic liquid)s (PIL)s were found to take an enabling role in important fields of polymer chemistry and material science. PILs combine the unique properties of ionic liquids with the flexibility and properties of macromolecular architectures giving rise to a new family of functional polymers that opens new area of applications such as polymer electrolytes in electrochemical devices, powerful dispersants and stabilizers, absorbing membranes, precursors for carbon materials, porous polymers, etc.
In this communication, we will report on the implementation of organometallic-mediated radical polymerization (OMRP) technique for the precision synthesis of unprecedented PILS (co)polymers. We will discuss how an organocobalt complex can nicely control the growth of vinyl imidazolium chains and lead to PILS with predicted molar masses and low polydispersitiesunder mild experimental conditions. The huge potential of this system will be highlighted by describing the first one-pot synthesis of vinyl imidazolium-based block copolymers in heterogeneous conditions. This OMRP is unique for providing well-defined vinyl imidazolium based-copolymers that are not easily accessible by other controlled radical polymerization techniques, and opens therefore new rooms for advanced PILS applications.