Toward block copolymer actuators: Synthesis and electrochemical properties of conducting polymers integrated into polynorbornene-derived scaffolds

ORGN 433

Hyun A Kang and Timothy M. Swager. Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Ave. Rm 18-152, Cambridge, MA 02139

Electroactive polymer (EAP) actuators can change their dimensions in response to an applied electric field. Well-defined nanostructures are expected to amplify an electrochemical response, facilitating greater dimensional changes. Toward this end, we are targeting block copolymers that can self-assemble into actuator nanostructures. Three different norbornene derivatives having thiophene (1), bithiophene (2) or furan (3) moieties were prepared and copolymerized with an alkyl ether containing norbornene derivative (4) via ring-opening metathesis polymerization. The resulting block copolymers were subsequently cross-linked by anodic polymerization, affording conducting polymers. All of these three block copolymers were readily deposited on various electrode substrates, and their cyclic voltammograms revealed an excellent reversibility in the redox cycles. In addition to rendering mechanical strength and flexibility, the polynorbornene backbone carrying alkyl ether groups apparently facilitates ion transport across the nanostructured channels within the EAPs. The synthesis and electrochemical properties of these novel block copolymers will be discussed.

Physical Organic, Materials, Heterocycles, Aromatics, Metal-Mediated Reactions 8:00 PM-10:00 PM, Tuesday, September 9, 2003 Hilton New York -- Americas Hall 1, Poster Sci-Mix 8:00 PM-10:00 PM, Monday, September 8, 2003 Javits Convention Center -- North Pavillion, Sci-Mix Division of Organic Chemistry The 226th ACS National Meeting, New York, NY, September 7-11, 2003