Redox Polymer–Based Nano‐Objects via Polymerization‐Induced Self‐Assembly.

Poly(2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidinyloxy‐4‐yl‐methacrylate) (PTMA) redox polymer–based nano‐objects are synthesized by polymerization‐induced self‐assembly with poly[oligo(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate] and poly[(4‐methacryloyloxy)‐2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidinium chloride] as hydrophilic macro‐chain transfer agents. These hydrophilic blocks are used in order to stabilize hydrophobic PTMA blocks in aqueous medium. The accordingly obtained spherical nano‐objects are observed via transmission electron microscopy analysis. Cyclic voltammetry measurements indicate that the nature and the length of coronal blocks influence the redox process of the PTMA core blocks. Moreover, these electroactive nano‐objects display low viscosities with a shear‐thinning behavior, making them suitable as cathode‐active materials for aqueous flow‐assisted electrochemical systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]