Synthesis of dielectric polymers with bipyridyl ligand and metal complex by ring-opening metathesis polymerization

Block copolymers with bipyridyl ligand and metal ion complex were synthesized by ring-opening metathesis polymerization. The combination of high dipolar polarization induced by bis(trifluoromethyl) group in polymer, the long-range polaron hopping process produced by the introduction of metal-bipyridyl side group, and the self-assembled nanostructure significantly improved the dielectric properties of polymers. The iridium(III)-contained block copolymer exhibited outstanding comprehensive dielectric and energy storage performance with high dielectric constant of 23.0–20.3 and low dielectric loss of 0.032–0.013 at 102–106 Hz, and high polarizability of 3.14 μC cm−2 at 280 MV m−1. Besides, the released-stored energy density reached 4.17/4.86 J cm−3 accompanied with the charge-discharge efficiency of 86%. Therefore, it would have potential applications as a metal-organic dielectric material with good dielectric and energy storage properties.