New side-chain liquid crystalline terpolymers with anhydrous conductivity: Effect of azobenzene substitution on light response and charge transfer

We have prepared and characterised a series of side-chain liquid crystalline homopolymers terpolymers containing different azobenzene derivatives (RAzB), sulfonic groups (2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid, AMPS), methyl(methacrylate) (MMA), as monomeric units. evaluated the effect para-substitutes 6-(4-azobenzene -4′-oxy)hexyl methacrylate, at side chains, OCH3, NO2 H, on phase behaviour conductivity new polymers. The copolymers can form smectic nematic phases, depending their composition, light responsiveness, conferred by chromophores. terpolymer with methoxy terminations, MeOAzB/AMPS/MMA, exhibits highest values (10−2/10−3 S·cm−1 range) through phases signs decoupling from polymeric segmental motions. These materials are promising candidates to develop light-responsive electrolytes for electrochemical conversion devices in which ionic under anhydrous conditions be controlled nanostructure.