(121j) Toward Convergence of Ionenes and High-Performance Polymers

Ionenes, condensation polymers wherein the charge (typically cationic) lies directly within the polymer backbone have been known for over 85 years. Historically, ionenes have been synthesized from 3^odiamines and α,ω-dihaloalkanes, forming chains of ammonium cations tethered by flexible hydrocarbon linkages with “free” halide anions. However, the requisite building blocks of ionenes are by no means limited only to such molecules. This presentation will detail our efforts to develop "high-performance" ionenes for gas separation membranes, additive manufacturing and other applications through modular syntheses are built around functionalities typically found in (ultra) high-performance polymers (such as polyimides, polyarylamides, etc.) and ionic liquids (ILs). The localization of cationic charges direcrtly within robust polymer backbone can yield unexpected and unique behaviors and performances, especially when additional ILs are added/absorbed into the polymer matrix.