Synthesis of innovative polyelectrolytes using monomers coming from renewable sources

Abstract

The aim of the PhD thesis is the synthesis of innovative polyelectrolytes using monomers coming from renewable sources. For that purpose, poly(ionic liquid)s combining environmentally friendly cholinium cation and anions based on natural carboxylic acids were synthesized. These polymers were characterized and their various properties were examined. In addition, block copolymers combining lactic acid and cholinium building unit were synthesized. The polymers were analyzed in terms of their self assembly in water and compared. Cholinium based monomer and ionic liquid were also used to produce ion gels through photopolymerization. The properties of the ion gels were characterized in terms of their ionic conductivity, mechanical and thermal properties. Selected ion gels were used as solid electrolytes for cutaneous electrophysiology for long term recordings. The ion gels displayed promising results. Various polymeric materials were synthesized by the polymerization of deep eutectic monomers formed between quaternary ammonium monomers and natural carboxylic acids. The formation of deep eutectic interactions resulted in the formation of liquid monomers that allowed to use either photopolymerization or polycondensation reactions without the need for a solvent. The resulting polymers were characterized and selected samples were used as solid adsorbents for carbon dioxide capture. It was seen that the materials showed promising results indicating that poly(ionic liquid)s based on deep eutectic monomers can be easy-to-prepare and environmentally friendly candidates for various applications.