Pore structure controllable synthesis of mesoporous poly(ionic liquid)s by copolymerization of alkylvinylimidazolium salts and divinylbenzene

By chain radical copolymerizations of imidazolium-type ionic liquids and divinylbenzene, mesoporous poly(ionic liquid)s with tunable pore structures were synthesized. The pore size and copolymer composition involving the ionic liquid and divinylbenzene can be controlled through varying the solvents. A series of 3-alkyl-1-vinylimidazolium bromide ionic liquids with different carbon chain lengths of 4, 6, 8, 12 and 16 in the alkyl groups were used in the synthesis, which is significant for the formation of pore structures. The obtained poly(ionic liquid)s were characterized by BET, CHN elemental analysis, FT-IR and UV-vis spectra. The results indicated that poly(ionic liquid)s with varied mesopores and compositions can be facilely achieved in this system. CO ₂ sorption capability and sorption-desorption cycling were tested, showing superior adsorption capability for CO₂ and durable sorption properties.