Partially Biosourced Poly(1,2,3-triazolium)-Based Diblock Copolymers Derived from Levulinic Acid

Partially biobased poly(1,2,3-triazolium)s are synthesized by reversible additionfragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization of tailor-made 1,2,3-triazole-functionalized (meth)acrylate monomers derived from levulinic acid, followed by N-alkylation of the 1,2,3-triazole moieties by methyl iodide (CH3I) and subsequent anion exchange with lithium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI). Chain extension of a 1,2,3-triazole-functionalized polymethacrylate by RAFT polymerization of styrene followed by N-alkylation with CH3I and anion exchange with LiTFSI affords two poly(1,2,3-triazole)- and two poly(1,2,3-triazolium)-based diblock copolymers (BCPs) with different weight fractions of each block. Discussion of the structure/properties relationships of all obtained materials is based on NMR spectroscopy, size exclusion chromatography, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, and broadband dielectric spectroscopy. The morphological and self-assembling properties of neutral and charged BCPs in bulk and in thin films are investigated by small-angle X-ray scattering and atomic force microscopy experiments, respectively.