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Polyfluorene Polyelectrolyte Nanoparticles: Synthesis of Innovative Stabilizers for Heterophase Polymerization
Author(s) -
Prescher Simon,
Ghasimi Saman,
Höhne Patrick,
Grygiel Konrad,
Landfester Katharina,
Zhang Kai A. I.,
Yuan Jiayin
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
macromolecular rapid communications
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.348
H-Index - 154
eISSN - 1521-3927
pISSN - 1022-1336
DOI - 10.1002/marc.201400440
Subject(s) - polyfluorene , polymer chemistry , polyelectrolyte , bromide , amphiphile , materials science , imide , polymerization , conjugated system , nanoparticle , side chain , polymer , styrene , emulsion polymerization , organic chemistry , chemical engineering , chemistry , copolymer , nanotechnology , engineering
Polyfluorene‐bearing bromohexyl side chains are quaternized by 1‐vinylimidazole in order to attach dialkylimidazolium bromide ionic liquid (IL) species along the conjugated backbone. Subsequently, polyfluorene polyelectrolyte nanoparticles (NPs) of 40 nm in average size are created via radical cross‐linking of the pendant vinylimidazolium groups. Anion exchange from Br − to BF 4 − , PF 6 − , and bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide anion (TFSI − ) renders NPs adjustable dispersability in various organic solvents. The hydrophobic‐conjugated backbone and the hydrophilic dialkylimidazolium bromide IL moieties depict an amphiphilic profile, which allows the NPs to be deployed as conductive stabilizer in the emulsion polymerization of styrene. The resultant latexes are fluorescent, tunable in size and can be transferred to organic solvents without forfeiting their colloidal stability.