Counter Ions Determine Self‐Assembled Nanostructure and Activation Energy of Ion‐Conductive Mesogens

Abstract By varying counter ions of ion‐conductive mesogens (ICMs) from bromide (Br), to tetrafluoroborate (BF₄), and to bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (TFSI), the ionic conductivity of ICM is systematically investigated based on their self‐assembled nanostructure and activation energy. Thermal and phase transition behaviors of ICM‐Br, ‐BF₄, and ‐TFSI exhibit significant variation based on the anion type. These differences are further reflected in the self‐assembled nanostructures of the ICMs, which are characterized through X‐ray and electron diffraction experiments. Ionic conductivity measured by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and activation energy calculated by Arrhenius equation allow us to build the relationship between self‐assembled nanostructures of ICMs and their activation energy. The constructed relationship between self‐assembled nanostructures and activation energy can provide valuable insights for the development of novel ion‐conductive materials.