Innovative methods in electrochemistry based on polymers of intrinsic microporosity

Abstract

Polymers of intrinsic microporosity (PIMs) are a new class of material that offer excellent processability and ion (semi-)permeability with great potential for applications in electrochemical technologies. The intrinsic microporosity is generated from inefficient packing of the rigid polymer backbone. Solutions of PIMs are used to form porous polymer matrices with embedded nano-particles and molecular catalysts for modified electrodes. Because of the hydrophobicity of PIMs, trapped liquid electrolyte and gas can coexist for “triphasic” electrochemistry and for electrocatalysis. Deposition of PIMs onto laser-drilled microholes in PET films enables ion conductivity studies that have revealed “ionic diode” effect. These ionic diodes have been proposed for applications in desalination and in sensing. Finally, mild carbonization of PIMs yield carbons without disrupting microporosity. This provides a new methodology for the development of functionalised conductive porous materials.