Nanoscale Ionic Materials

Within the general field of polymer grafted or “hairy” nanoparticles, nanoscale ionic materials (NIMs), consisting of a soft polymeric canopy bound to a well-defined nanoparticle core by an ionic bond, occupy a growing niche. They are the first example of neat, self-suspended fluids of nanoparticles (i.e., in the absence of a suspending medium). As such, the perennial dispersion challenges associated with polymer nanocomposites are minimized while the dynamic nature of the ionic bonds provides opportunities for self-healing behavior. Combining the properties of ionic liquids, charged colloid suspensions, and well-dispersed nanocomposites, this new materials platform offers remarkable versatility for current and future applications. This perspective covers techniques and current challenges in synthesis, discusses the state of understanding of the theory behind their structure and properties, and examines successes and future prospects in application in a number of areas, notably in energy-related technologies.