Controlled Supramolecular Complexation of Cyclodextrin-Functionalized Polymeric Ionic Liquid Brushes

The control of molecular interactions between host and guest is of considerable importance for adsorption and release applications. To address this challenge, polymeric ionic liquid (PIL) brushes were prepared via reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer polymerization, where we demonstrate that PILs confer a resistance to fouling of the material based on the counterion tunability of PILs. The anion-exchange of poly(1-vinyl-3-buthylimidazolium bromide) was used for the control of the host–guest interactions. Measurement of film thickness, contact angle, and surface morphology of the resulting surfaces were used to confirm the structural characteristics of the cyclodextrin-functionalized PIL brushes. The PIL brushes with switchable properties protect the immobilized host molecule against undesirable interactions without any morphological changes during storage and has potential application in bioseparation and biosensors.