Trivial and Non-Trivial Supramolecular Assemblies Based on Nafion

Abstract

We demonstrate that Nafion, a perfluorosulfonic acid ionomer, undergoes synergistic mixing with non-ionic diblock copolymers in selective solvents. A range of experimental techniques (Quartz Crystal Microbalance, Dynamic Light Scattering, optical microscopy, TEM and SEM) was employed to gain insights on the evolution of ionomer–copolymer supramolecular assemblies. Depending on the copolymer architecture and the type of the suspension medium, spherical nanoparticles, micron-long tubular conformations or vesicular structures are formed. Those morphologies are dictated by localized interactions arising from Nafion's amphiphilicity. The effect has implications on the preparation of the technologically important ion conducting membranes.