Enhancing Properties of Anionic Poly(ionic liquid)s with 1,2,3-Triazolium Counter Cations

A series of anionic poly(ionic liquid)s with 1,2,3-triazolium counter cations are prepared by cation exchange between tailormade 1,3,4-trialkylated-1,2,3-triazolium iodides and a polystyrene derivative having pendant potassium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide groups. The physical and ion-conducting properties of the resulting materials are compared to the parent potassium-containing polyelectrolyte based on ¹H NMR, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and broadband dielectric spectroscopy (BDS) measurements. Substitution of the potassium counter cation by 1,2,3-triazolium charge carriers affords polyelectrolytes with improved processability (broader solubility and removal of the crystalline behavior) as well as a substantial increase in anhydrous ionic conductivity.