Electrical switching based on dimensionality transitions in nanostructuredpolymers

Supramolecular hierarchical conducting nanostructures are obtained by compl exing 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 pent adecyl phenol (PDP) to form PS-block-P4VP(MSA)(1.0)(PDP)(1.0). The polyelec trolytic domains are subject to reversible phase transitions from "semi Id" slabs to 2d lamellae and further to Id cylinders upon heating. The transit ions manifest in the thermally activated conductivity. Extension to conjuga ted polymers is discussed to achieve temperature controlled switching based on electronic conductivity.