Synthesis of triblock copolymers composed of poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) and ionic liquid segments

A new class of ionic liquid-containing triblock copolymers have been prepared via RAFT polymerization of the imidazolium methacrylate monomer using a telechelic fluoropolymer as the macro-chain transfer agent. It is found that the anionic counterion has a direct impact on the thermal properties, ionic conductivity and segmental dynamics of the polymers. The temperature dependence of the ionic conductivity is well described by the Vogel-Tamman-Fulcher model, suggesting that ion motion is closely coupled to segmental motion.