A supramolecular approach for the synthesis of cross-linked ionic polyacetylene network gels

The poly((para-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)methanone)phenylacetylene) (PPA) polymer with a 66% trans-cisoid configuration was used to prepare a pi-conjugated ionic polyacetylene network gel (pi-IPN gel) by a simple cross-linking reaction between PPA and suberic acid in an appropriate functional group ratio. The PPA hydrogel could be synthesized in bulk quantities with a uniform morphology of self-assembled interconnected nanospheres. In addition, experimental results revealed that the PPA-based pi-IPN gel led to an enhanced electrical storage ability and demonstrated immense potential for use in flexible solid-state energy storage devices.