Introduction to Synthesis and Materials Applications of Poly(Ionic Liquid)s

Abstract Poly(ionic liquid)s, sometimes termed polymerized ionic liquids or polymeric ionic liquids (PILs), have been recognized as a unique class of ionic polymers, which are normally the polymerization products of ionic liquid (IL) monomers. The rapid progress in the PIL research is demonstrated by many scientific publications from 2009 till now, and newly reported chemical structures with interesting properties and functions. In fact, synthesis of polymer structures from IL monomers has so far created a big library of functional polymers for a wide range of advanced applications, and it has harnessed a massive collaboration with scientific communities in different fields. In short, the combination of IL properties and functions with the polymer matrix makes it possible to manufacture new polymers and their devices with different talents. In this article, the chemical structures, the synthetic approaches, and the multipurpose applications of PILs will be discussed to deliver an overview of this innovative research topic.