Multiscale Structure of Poly(ionic liquid)s in Bulk and Solutions by Small-Angle Neutron Scattering

Poly(ionic liquid)s (PILs), similar to their ionic liquid (IL) analogues, present a nanostructure arising from local interactions. The influence of this on the macromolecular conformation polymer chains is investigated for first time by means an extensive use small angle neutron scattering series poly(1-vinyl-3-alkylimidazolium)s with varying alkyl side-chain length and counter-anion both in bulk dilute solutions. Radii gyration are found increase solution as consequence crowding interactions between neighboring monomers. In bulk, however, non monotonic evolution radius reflects change chain flexibility potential screening electrostatic Additionally at smaller scale, SANS provides experimental estimation diameter correlation chains, comparison which unveils clear evidence interdigitation side-chains. These structural features bring precious insights understanding dynamic properties PILs.