Toward controlled functional sequencing and hierarchical structuring in imidazolium ionenes
Kathryn E. O’Harra, Jason E. Bara
Abstract
Abstract This focused mini‐review highlights recent advances related to the design and applications of imidazolium ionenes and forward‐looking perspectives. Creative strategies which employ established synthetic approaches and utilize the modularity of the imidazole moiety unlock great potential for tailoring both functional and structural features arising from precise spacing of ionic groups within the polymer backbone. As imidazolium ionenes draw more interest, increased sophistication of chemical modifications and material processing is occurring, with a corresponding shift toward more demanding applications. Synthetic routes for placement and sequencing of ionic content are discussed, in addition to recent approaches to control structure and self‐assembly or tune behaviors of imidazolium ionenes and composites. © 2020 Society of Industrial Chemistry