Abstract
We report 3D colloidal self-assembly (crystallization) of poly(ionic liquid) latexes to produce crystals that exhibit reversible melting and recrystallization in water, due to “classical” interparticle interactions, typical of multifunctional polymers. These new materials are derived from an ionic liquid monomer that is polymerized at room temperature by redox-initiated polymerization. Particle synthesis, self-assembly, thermal properties, and introductory light diffraction effects are reported with a focus on melting. These crystals are distinguishable from classical colloidal crystalline arrays, and are the first such crystals to exhibit thermal melting. This new hydrogel offers promise for engineering large volume production of photonic crystals active in the visible and proximal spectral regions, by crystallization from suspension (solution), characteristic of most useful chemical compounds.
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