Synthesis of silica particles grafted with poly(ionic liquid) and their nucleation effect on microcellular foaming of polystyrene using supercritical carbon dioxide

► First preparation of silica particles grafted with poly(ionic liquid). ► Using poly(ionic liquid) to increase CO2 solubility. ► Employing the silica particles modified with poly(ionic liquid) in polystyrene foaming. ► Concentrating CO2 around particles to enhance the heterogeneous nucleation.