A precise, one-pot synthesis of end-functionalized block copolymers consisting of poly(9,9-di-n-octylfluorene-2,7-vinylene)s (PFVs) and oligo(2,5-dialkoxy-1,4-phenylenevinylene) or terthiophene units as the middle segment have been prepared by olefin metathesis of the vinyl group in the PFV chain ends followed by subsequent Wittig-type coupling. Formation of the block copolymers and the quantitative efficiency in the end-functionalization can be confirmed by synthesis of amphiphilic block copolymers containing poly-(ethylene glycol) at the both polymer chain ends. Effect of PFV conjugation length, middle segment, and the end groups toward the emission properties have been studied: the polymers containing ferrocene moiety at the chain ends displayed unique emission/quenching properties.

Ion-conductive liquid-crystalline molecules with high-oxidation resistance, which were designed with density functional theory calculation, improved charge–discharge reactions in Li-ion batteries.

We report advanced liquid-crystalline (LC) electrolytes for use in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). We evaluated the potential of LC electrolytes with a half cell composed of Li metal and LiFePO 4 which is a conventional positive electrode for LIBs. Low-molecular-weight carbonates of ethylene carbonate or propylene carbonate were incorporated into the two-dimensional (2D) nanostructured electrolyte composed of mesogen-containing carbonate and lithium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide. The incorporation of low-molecular-weight carbonates increased the ionic conductivity with maintaining 2D nanostructures in the LC state. High-power performances at relatively high current densities induced by higher ionic conductivities have been achieved by LC electrolytes with low-molecular-weight carbonates. Furthermore, room-temperature operation of LIBs using LC electrolytes is reported for the first time. In the research field of electrolytes for LIBs, we demonstrate the progress of a new category of LC electrolytes.

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