Polymerized ionic liquids (PILs) refer to a special type of polyelectrolyte which monomeric unit is composed of one or different ionic liquid species (IL). These macromolecules have recently drawn the attention since they present a unique combination of the properties of ionic liquid and polymeric materials. An scientifically and technologically interesting properties of ionic liquids is their very low friction coefficient measured on many different surfaces. However, mechanism for the low friction coefficient is poorly understood. The objective of this project is to study the potential lubrication properties (friction) of PILs films as a function of their macromolecular structure and the monomeric interactions involved. This will be possible by gathering the scientific expertise of two groups both in France in University Paris-Saclay (who gain recently an expertise in PIL) and in Berkeley university (expert in surface force measurements) we expect to get unique information on the potential application of PIL as a new class of lubricants by exchanging samples/experimental techniques between the two groups. We will combine the bulk and surface measurement with the Electrochemical Surface Forces Apparatus (e-SFA) to measure equilibrium and lubrication forces created by PIL when confined between two surfaces. Studying high-concentration electrolytes presenting polymeric properties present an exciting opportunity to gain experimental evidence to connect molecular structure, electrostatics, and lubrication.
UC PI:
Joelle Frechette
Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, UC Berkeley
France PI:
Frederic Restagno
Physics, Unversité Paris-Saclay