Electrical switching based on dimensionality transitions in nanostructured polymers

Supramolecular hierarchical conducting nanostructures are obtained by complexing amphiphilic oligomers with block copolymers. Nominally each pyridine group of poly(styrene)-block-poly(4-vinyl pyridine), i.e. (PS-block-P4VP), is first protonated by methane sulphonic acid (MSA) to yield PS-block-P4VP(MSA)(1.0). It is further hydrogen bonded with stoichiometric amount of pentadecyl phenol (PDP) to form PS-block-P4VP(MSA)(1.0)(PDP)(1.0). The polyelectrolytic domains are subject to reversible phase transitions from "semi Id" slabs to 2d lamellae and further to Id cylinders upon heating. The transitions manifest in the thermally activated conductivity. Extension to conjugated polymers is discussed to achieve temperature controlled switching based on electronic conductivity.