New side-chain liquid crystalline terpolymers with anhydrous conductivity: Effect of azobenzene substitution on light response and charge transfer
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
3-5-2021
Abstract
We have prepared and characterised a series of side-chain liquid crystalline homopolymers and terpolymers containing different azobenzene derivatives (RAzB), sulfonic groups (2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid, AMPS), and methyl(methacrylate) groups (MMA), as monomeric units. We have evaluated the effect of different para-substitutes of 6-(4-azobenzene -4'-oxy)hexyl methacrylate, at the side chains, OCH3, NO2 and H, on the phase behaviour and conductivity of the new polymers. The copolymers can form smectic and nematic phases, depending on their composition, and have light responsiveness, conferred by the azobenzene chromophores. The terpolymer with methoxy terminations, MeOAzB/AMPS/MMA, exhibits the highest conductivity values of the series (10(-2)/10(-3) S.cm(-1) range) through liquid crystalline phases and with signs of decoupling from polymeric segmental motions. These materials are promising candidates to develop new light-responsive polymeric electrolytes for electrochemical conversion devices in which ionic conductivity under anhydrous conditions can be controlled by their nanostructure.
Keywords
Side-chain liquid crystal polymers, Ionic conductivity, Azobenzene, Energy conversion, Polymer electrolytes
Divisions
PHYSICS
Funders
University of Aberdeen [SF10192],Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Japan (MEXT) Japan Society for the Promotion of Science [RIG008586],Royal Society and Specac Ltd., [RGS\R1\201397],Royal Society of London[M190000]
Publication Title
European Polymer Journal
Volume
146
Publisher
Elsevier
Publisher Location
THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND