Creation of gyroid structured polymer films having high proton conductivity with low gas permeability

Abstract

Bicontinuous cubic liquid crystals spontaneously form gyroid structures having 3D periodicity and continuity. Owing to their inherent structural properties, they have recently been studied for functional nanostructured materials. In the present study, we have designed and synthesized an amphiphilic molecule having sulfonic acid and polymerizable groups. By performing in situ polymerization in a bicontinuous cubic phase, we have succeeded in creating gyroid nanostructured polymer films. We have evaluated gas permeability and proton conductivity for the films. They show high proton conductivity and high gas barrier ability.