We are thankful to NSF for a new DMR Polymers grant that will fund research on nanoscale morphologies and solvent-enhanced cation transport in ionomers for 3 years starting on August 1, 2025. This research effort aims to understand to what extent nanoscale morphologies and selective solvents promote cation transport and the underlying mechanisms of cation transport. The proposed research combines structural characterization, conductivity measurements, and spectroscopy measurements on unique polymers to further develop the understanding and demonstration of decoupled ion motion in polymer electrolytes. Aim 1 endeavors to achieve the double gyroid morphology in strictly alternating multiblock copolymers near room temperature. We will investigate a variety of multiblock copolymers and processing strategies to determine the criteria for producing the double gyroid morphology in multiblock copolymers with strongly segregated and short blocks. Aim 2 will identify solvent attributes that promote Li+ and Na+ transport in polymers with aligned nanoscale layered morphologies. To eliminate the effect of morphological orientation and grain boundaries on transport in periodic nanoscale morphologies, we will fabricate thin films with aligned layers in strictly alternating multiblock copolymers and measure the in-plane conductivity as a function of solvent swelling and solvent type. Finally, Aim 3 seeks to improve ion transport in polymers with network morphologies by the addition of solvent. For this portion of the proposed project, we will study three types of partially sulfonated polymers that self-assemble into nanoscale ionic channels without long-range order. This broader range of polymers will test the applicability of our findings about solvent-enhanced ion transport in a variety of nanostructured polymers. In addition to providing exceptional opportunities for student education, this proposal will develop an environmental chamber for grazing incident X-ray scattering and provide professional development workshops for doctoral students.
NSF DMR Polymers grant awarded!
