The Influence of the Dielectric Constant of Non-Aqueous Solvents on Complex Coacervation
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초록
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Complex coacervation is a phenomenon in which two oppositely charged polyelectrolytes form a distinct liquid-liquid phase separation in a solution. This process occurs when charged polymers are electrostatically attracted to each other and counterions bound to them are released, thereby forming a polymer-rich coacervate phase and a polymer-dilute phase. Previous studies have mostly been conducted in aqueous systems due to the limited solubility of polyelectrolytes in non-aqueous solvents. In this study, we design two symmetric but oppositely charged polymerized ionic liquids (PILs) such that the affinity between polymers, solvents, and counterions becomes comparable between two PILs. The solubility of PILs in non-aqueous solvents with varying dielectric constants enables the studies of the impact of solvent dielectric constants on phase behaviors. This study will provide a fundamental understanding of complex coacervation of PILs in various organic solvents and expand its applications beyond aqueous systems into a wider range of solvent systems.