ELECTROACTIVE BLOCK-COPOLYMERS

Synthesis, characterization and properties of microphase separated mixed (ionic and electronic) conducting or MIEC block copolymers are reported. Poly{[omega-methoxyocta(oxyethylene) methacrylate]-block-(4-vinylpyridine)}, abbreviated as P[MG8-4VP], and poly{(3-methylthiophene)-block-[omega-methoxyocta(oxyethylene) methacrylate]}, abbreviated as P[3MT-MG8], have been synthesized. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) studies indicate that the polymers form a microphase separated structure. P[3MT-MG8] can be doped with I-2 and LiClO4 to generate electronic and ionic conducting microdomains, respectively. For the P[3MT-MG8] series, bulk electronic conductivity as high as 1x10(-3) S cm(-1) and bulk ionic conductivity as high as 6.6x10(-7) S cm(-1) is observed at 30 degrees C. This work represents a new concept in the area of electroactive polymers and should impact the microelectrochemical device industry.