Recent trends in the synthesis of polyelectrolytes

Recent developments in the synthesis of polyelectrolytes are highlighted, with respect to the nature of the ionic groups, the polymer backbones, synthetic methods, and additional functionality given to the polyelectrolytes. In fact, the synthesis of new polyelectrolytes is mostly driven by material aspects, currently. The article pays particular attention to strong polyelectrolytes, and the new methods of controlled polymerization. These methods and the so-called click reactions have enabled novel designs of polyelectrolytes. Nevertheless, the polymerization of unprotected ionic monomers is still challenging and limits the synthetic possibilities. The structural aspects are complemented by considerations with respect to the aspired uses of the new polyelectrolytes.

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► The current synthesis of new polyelectrolytes is mostly driven by material aspects.
► Polymerization of unprotected ionic monomers is still limiting synthetic possibilities.
► Controlled polymerization methods and "click" reactions have enabled novel designs of polyelectrolytes.