Design of macroporous ionic liquid networks for catalysis applications

Poly(ionic liquids)s (PILs) are receiving growing interest in the field of materials. They are defined as multifunctional polyelectrolytes that combine the features of ionic liquids such as high ionic conductivity and thermal stability as well as tuneable solution properties together with macromolecular scaffold properties like enhanced mechanical resistance, processability, designability and improved control over the structure. Over the years, they became essential materials for many applications, i.e., separation, CO2 capture, energy storage, polymer electrolyte in Li-batteries, sensors and catalysis.1 Interestingly, structuring PILs into macroporous structures improves their performances by increasing their specific surface area and allows fast transport/diffusion.2 3 In the present contribution, we will present a couple of unprecedented interconnected macroporous PILs networks prepared by high internal phase emulsion polymerization and emphasize their interest for catalysis. In particular, we explored transesterification and a challenging decarboxylation reaction. Overall, we demonstrate the real assets for these materials, that is, the ease of purification and their recyclability. 1) Quian et al., Chem. Soc. Rev., 2017,46, 1124-1159; 2) Zhang H. et al., Talanta, 2016, 149, 62–68.; 3) Mathieu K., Polym. Chem., 2018, 9, 428-437