Ionomers Based on Addition and Ring Opening Metathesis Polymerized 5-phenyl-2-norbornene as a Membrane Material for Ionic Actuators

Abstract

Two types of poly(5-phenyl-2-norbornene) were synthesized via ring opening metathesis and addition polymerization. The polymers sulfonation reaction under homogeneous conditions resulted in ionomer with high sulfonation degree up to 79% (IEC 3.36 meq/g). The prepared ionomer was characterized by DSC, GPC, 1H NMR and FT-IR. Polymers for electromechanical applications soluble in common polar organic solvents were obtained by replacing proton of sulfonic group with imidazolium and 1-methylimidazlium. Membranes were prepared using the above-mentioned polymers and 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (EMImBF4), as well as mixtures with polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). Mechanical, morphological, and conductive properties of the membranes were examined by tensile testing, SEM, and impedance spectroscopy, respectively. Dry and air-stable actuators with electrodes based on SWCNT were fabricated via hot-pressing. Actuators with membranes based on methylimidazolium containing ionomers outperformed classical bucky gel actuator and demonstrated high strain (up to 1.14%) and generated stress (up to 1.21 MPa) under low voltage of 2 V.

Proton‐Conducting Polymers: Key to Next‐Generation Fuel Cells, Electrolyzers, Batteries, Actuators, and Sensors

“…Morozov et al . synthesized polymers for ionic actuators successfully using 5‐phenyl‐2‐norbornene via ring opening metathesis and addition polymerization, achieving a notable sulfonation degree as high as 79 %, corresponding to an IEC of 3.36 meq g −1 [71] . Their innovative approach led to the creation of membranes that, when combined with 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (EMImBF4) and PVDF, produced actuators capable of delivering maximum strain of 1.14 % and stress of 1.21 MPa at the low operational voltage of just 2 V. These results represented a great step forward in the field of electroactive polymers, demonstrating the potential of these novel materials for low‐voltage actuator applications.…”

Synthesis and Characterization of Thiol-Functionalized Polynorbornene Dicarboximides for Heavy Metal Adsorption from Aqueous Solution

“…Among the many functional group options used to endow materials with adsorption properties, thiols have drawn much attention and are well known for their ability to coordinate with divalent ions and have already been used successfully in the treatment of poisoning by Pb, Hg and As [20][21][22]. Since the ROMP affords high molecular weight polymers in high yields [23,24], ROMP-prepared thiol-containing polymers are expected to show high degrees of thiol moieties which in turn will likely result in high adsorption capacities. Based on the latter, ROMP-prepared polynorbornene derivatives could be used in the development of adsorbents bearing thiol groups as coordination points in order to tune the heavy metal adsorption capacity.…”