Multiwalled carbon nanotube–polyelectrolyte gels: Preparation and swelling behavior for organic solvents

• The MWCNT–polyelectrolyte gel containing vinylimidazolium ionic liquid monomer is synthesized.
• The MWCNT–polyelectrolyte gel as an absorbent of less-polar or nonpolar organic solvents
• The high swelling degree is obtained when the gel matrix has good compatibility with the solvent.

In this article, we report the first multiwalled carbon nanotube–polyelectrolyte gel containing vinylimidazolium-typed ionic liquid monomer as an absorbent of less-polar or nonpolar organic solvents. To prepare such MWCNT–polyelectrolyte gel, the modified MWCNTs with polymerizable vinyl groups on their surfaces were prepared and then underwent copolymerizations with dodecyl methacrylate and vinylimidazolium in the presence of AIBN as initiator, yielding a cross-linked polyelectrolyte. In order to estimate the compatibility between the solvents and the polymers, a series of vinylimidazolium-typed ionic liquid monomers ([Cnvim][X]) with different alkyl tail length (C6, C10 and C12) and counter anion (tetrafluoroborate (BF4−), dodecylbenzenesulfonate (DBS−)) were prepared and incorporated into cross-linked polyacrylates. The results showed that the high swelling degree was obtained when the gel matrix had good compatibility with the solvent.