Cytoskeleton mimetic reinforcement of a self-assembled N.N' -dialkylimidazolium ionic liquid monomer by copolymerization

Preparation and photopolymerization of a decylmethylimidazolium ionic liquid (IL) that possesses an acrylate counteranion are described. This IL monomer self-assembles upon addition of water and can be copolymerized with poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) in the presence of a photoinitiator, forming a mechanically durable material that adopts a lamellar structure with in-plane hexagonally ordered pores, as evidenced by small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). Thermogravimetric analysis, the extent of polymerization, and solubility-swelling studies indicate the formation of a network copolymer of the IL monomer and the PEGDA. Additional evidence for the formation of a nanostructured copolymer is provided by evaluating the product formed by replacement of the IL monomer with the nonpolymerizable analogue, decylmethylimidazolium chloride. The results demonstrate the possibility of designing a self-assembled amiphiphilic bilayer architecture that is reinforced by polymerization and cross-linking.