Boron Nitride-Doped Polyphenylenic Organogels

Herein, we describe the synthesis
of the first boron nitride-doped polyphenylenic material obtained
through a [4 + 2] cycloaddition reaction between a triethynyl borazine
unit and a biscyclopentadienone derivative, which undergoes organogel
formation in chlorinated solvents (the critical jellification concentration
is 4% w/w in CHCl3). The polymer has been characterized
extensively by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, solid-state 13C NMR, solid-state 11B NMR, and by comparison
with the isolated monomeric unit. Furthermore, the polymer gels formed
in chlorinated solvents have been thoroughly characterized and studied,
showing rheological properties comparable to those of polyacrylamide
gels with a low crosslinker percentage. Given the thermal and chemical
stability, the material was studied as a potential support for solid-state
electrolytes. showing properties comparable to those of polyethylene
glycol-based electrolytes, thus presenting great potential for the
application of this new class of material in lithium-ion batteries.