Hyperbranched Polyethylene Ionomers Containing Quaternary Ammonium Ions and Their Functionalization of Nanomaterials

Ionomers containing a small number of ionic side groups are a unique class of polymers with some valuable properties and distinct applications. To date, commercially important ionomers are exclusively anionomers that contain covalently bonded anions and are synthesized commonly by radical polymerization. The catalytic synthesis of polyethylene-based cationomers is challenging, while it is attractive due to the low cost of ethylene stocks and less stringent polymerization conditions, along with their desirable properties and broadened scope of commercial applications. Advances in catalyst technology—specifically, Pd-diimine catalysts—have recently enabled the synthesis of a class of hyperbranched polyethylene cationomers that are designed to contain quaternary ammonium cations. With their unique hydrophobic hyperbranched polyethylene backbone, this class of ionomers enables the successful functionalization of negatively surface-charged nanomaterials, thus improving the processing and application of the latter. This review summarizes the developments of this class of ionomers, including their synthesis, properties, and functionalization of various nanomaterials.