(216m) Block Copolymer Self-Assembly in Ionic Liquids

In the context of developing self-assembly methodologies for the synthesis and manufacturing of complex formulations and materials, our group has a long-standing interest on the utilization of solvents for the modulation of the organization of amphiphiles such as surfactants and block copolymers.  Having low vapor pressure, high thermal stability, and novel solvation properties, ionic liquids can expand the operating range and applications of self-assembled amphiphiles.  We discuss here the structuring of poly(ethylene oxide)-poly(propylene oxide)-poly(ethylene oxide) (Pluronic) amphiphilic block copolymers in the ionic liquids ethylammonium nitrate (EAN), 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (bmimBF4), and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate (bmimPF6), and their mixtures with water or polar organic solvents.