Ionic liquid/graphene oxide as a nanocomposite for improving the direct electrochemistry and electrocatalytic activity of glucose oxidase

By combination of 1-ethyl-3-methyl immidazolium ethyl sulfate as a typical room temperature ionic liquid (IL) and graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets, a nanocomposite was introduced for improving the direct electrochemistry and electrocatalytic activity of glucose oxidase (GOx). The enzyme on the IL–GO-modified glassy carbon electrode exhibited a quasireversible cyclic voltammogram corresponding to the flavine adenine dinucleotide/FADH₂ redox prosthetic group of GOx. At the scan rate of 100 mV?s^?1, the enzyme showed a peak-to-peak potential separation of 82 mV and the formal potential of ?463 mV (vs Ag/AgCl in 0.1 M phosphate buffer solution, pH?7.0). The kinetic parameters of the charge transfer rate constant, the electron transfer coefficient, and the apparent Michaelis–Menten constant were calculated as 1.36 s^?1 and 0.35 and 2.47 μM, respectively. When the modified electrode was examined as a biosensor for glucose determination, a linear range of 2.5–45 nM with detection limit of 0.175 nM (signal to noise?=?3) was obtained. The biosensor was stable for 2 months.     

Sensitive electrochemical detection of bisphenol A with chitosan and urchinlike MnO2 microsphere modified carbon ionic liquid electrode

In this article, a carbon ionic liquid electrode (CILE) was fabricated by using ionic liquid N-hexylpyridinium hexafluorophosphate as the binder and the modifier. Then urchinlike MnO₂ microsphere and chitosan (CTS) was further casted on the CILE surface step-by-step to get a modified electrode that was denoted as CTS/MnO₂/CILE. Cyclic voltammetric studies indicated that bisphenol A (BPA) exhibited a well-defined oxidation peak at 0.486 V in 22.83 g L^?1 pH 8.0 Britton?Robinson buffer solution, which was attributed to the electro-oxidation of BPA on the modified electrode. The presence of urchinlike MnO₂ microsphere on the electrode surface could increase the oxidation peak current (I_pa) greatly, which may be due to the larger surface area that could adsorb more BPA on the electrode surface. Electrochemical parameters of BPA on the modified electrode were calculated with the electron transfer coefficient (α) as 0.66 and the apparent heterogeneous electron transfer rate constant (ks) as 0.50 s^?1. Under the optimal conditions, a linear relationship between the I_pa of BPA and its concentration was obtained in the range from 1.37 × 10^–1 mg L^?1 to 182.6 mg L^?1 with the detection limit as 7.31 × 10^–3 mg L^?1 (3σ). The CTS/MnO₂/CILE was applied to the detection of BPA content in different kinds of samples with satisfactory results.     

Thermal properties of sulfonic acid group functionalized Brönsted acidic ionic liquids

Thermal decomposition onset temperatures have been measured for a total of 24 methylimidazolium, triethanolammonium, and pyridinium type sulfonic acid groups functionalized Brönsted acidic ionic liquids with Cl^?, Br^?, SO₄ ^2?, PO₄ ^3?, BF₄ ^? _, CH₃CO₂ ^?, and CH₃SO₃ ^? anions, using thermogravimetric analysis. Thermal stabilities of these sulfonic acid group functionalized ionic liquids decreases in the order, methylimidazolium > triethanolammonium > pyridinium. The methylimidazolium, pyridinium, and triethanolammonium ionic liquids investigated showed decomposition onset temperatures (air) in the 213–353, 167–240, and 230–307 °C ranges, respectively. Additionally, the decomposition temperatures of these ionic liquids are highly dependent on the nature of the anion.     

Energetics of Intermolecular Hydrogen Bonds in a Hydrophobic Protein Cavity

This work explores the energetics of intermolecular H-bonds inside a hydrophobic protein cavity. Kinetic measurements were performed on the gaseous deprotonated ions (at the ?7 charge state) of complexes of bovine β-lactoglobulin (Lg) and three monohydroxylated analogs of palmitic acid (PA): 3-hydroxypalmitic acid (3-OHPA), 7-hydroxypalmitic acid (7-OHPA), and 16-hydroxypalmitic acid (16-OHPA). From the increase in the activation energy for the dissociation of the (Lg + X-OHPA)^7– ions, compared with that of the (Lg + PA)^7– ion, it is concluded that the –OH groups of the X-OHPA ligands participate in strong (5 – 11 kcal mol^–1) intermolecular H-bonds in the hydrophobic cavity of Lg. The results of molecular dynamics (MD) simulations suggest that the –OH groups of 3-OHPA and 16-OHPA act as H-bond donors and interact with backbone carbonyl oxygens, whereas the –OH group of 7-OHPA acts as both H-bond donor and acceptor with nearby side chains. The capacity for intermolecular H-bonds within the Lg cavity, as suggested by the gas-phase measurements, does not necessarily lead to enhanced binding in aqueous solution. The association constant (K_a) measured for 7-OHPA [(2.3 ± 0.2) × 10⁵ M^–1] is similar to the value for the PA [(3.8 ± 0.1) × 10⁵ M^–1]; K_a for 3-OHPA [(1.1 ± 0.3) × 10⁶ M^–1] is approximately three-times larger, whereas K_a for 16-OHPA [(2.3 ± 0.2) × 10⁴ M^–1] is an order of magnitude smaller. Taken together, the results of this study suggest that the energetic penalty to desolvating the ligand –OH groups, which is necessary for complex formation, is similar in magnitude to the energetic contribution of the intermolecular H-bonds.

Nitrogen‐Rich Energetic Dianionic Salts of 3, 4‐Bis(1H‐5‐­tetrazolyl)furoxan with Excellent Thermal Stability

Nitrogen‐rich 3, 4‐bis(1H‐tetrazol‐5‐yl)furoxan (H₂BTF, 2 ) and its energetic salts with excellent thermal stability were successfully synthesized and fully characterized by ¹H, and ¹³C NMR, and IR spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and elemental analyses. Additionally, the structures of barium ( 3 ) and 1‐methyl‐3, 4, 5‐triamino‐triazolium ( 10 ) salts were confirmed by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The densities of the energetic salts paired with organic cations range between 1.56 and 1.85 g · cm^–3 as measured by a gas pycnometer. Based on the measured densities and calculated heats of formation, the detonation pressures and velocities are calculated to be in the range 23.4–32.0 GPa and 7939–8915 m · s^–1, which make them competitive energetic materials.     

Stopped-flow kinetic analysis of the oxidation of semicarbazide by hexachloroiridate(IV)

A kinetic analysis of the oxidation of semicarbazide (SEM) by the single-electron oxidant [IrCl₆]^2? has been carried out by stopped-flow spectrometric techniques. The reaction proved to be first order each in [IrCl₆ ^2?] and [SEM]_tot, leading to overall second-order kinetics. The variation in the observed second-order rate constant k′ with pH was explored over the pH range of 0–7.11. Spectrophotometric titration revealed a stoichiometry of Δ[IrCl₆ ^2?]/Δ[SEM]_tot = 4:1 for the redox reaction. On the basis of the rate law, the redox stoichiometry, and the rapid scan spectra, a reaction mechanism is proposed which involves parallel attacks of [IrCl₆]^2? on both H₂NCONHNH₃ ⁺ and H₂NCONHNH₂ as rate-determining steps, followed by several rapid reactions. The rate expression, derived from the reaction mechanism, was utilized to simulate the k′–pH profile yielding a virtually perfect fit and indicating that the reaction path involving H₂NCONHNH₃ ⁺ does not make a significant contribution to the overall rate. The reaction between [IrCl₆]^2? and H₂NCONHNH₂ was further studied as a function of both temperature and ionic strength. From the temperature dependence, activation parameters were obtained as: ?H ₂ ^?  = 34.9 ± 1.5 kJ mol^?1 and ?S ₂ ^?  = ?78 ± 5 J K^?1 mol^?1. The observed ionic strength dependence suggests that the rate-determining step is between [IrCl₆]^2? and a neutral species of SEM. Hence, both the temperature and ionic strength dependency studies are in good agreement with the proposed reaction mechanism, in which the rate-determining step involves an outer sphere electron transfer.     

Thermodynamics (Solubility and Protonation Constants) of Risedronic Acid in Different Media and Temperatures (283.15–318.15 K)

Potentiometric measurements were carried out to study the protonation constants of risedronic acid (RA) in NaCl_(aq), (CH₃)₄NCl_(aq) and (C₂H₅)₄NI_(aq) at different ionic strengths and temperatures (283.15 ≤ T/K ≤ 318.15). In the same conditions, solubility measurements were also performed. Calorimetric measurements were done in NaCl to determine the protonation enthalpy values at I = 0.15 mol·dm^?3 and 298.15 K. Generally, the proton binding process was endothermic and the driving force was entropic in nature. The values of the protonation constants determined in NaCl_(aq) are lower than those obtained in the two tetraalkylammonium salts. The medium effect was interpreted using different thermodynamic models in terms of variation of the activity coefficients with ionic strength (Debye–Hückel type and SIT), or formation of weak complexes between risedronate (Ris^4?) and the ions of the supporting electrolytes. Specific interaction coefficients (ε) and the stability of five (CH₃)₄N⁺/Ris^4? (at different temperatures and ionic strengths) species are reported. The total solubility of risedronic acid is higher in NaCl_(aq) than in the other two ionic media and, in all cases, increases with increasing temperature. Setschenow and activity coefficients of the neutral species were also computed in all ionic media.     

Complex formation equilibria between aluminum(III), gadolinium(III) and yttrium(III) ions and some fluoroquinolone ligands. Potentiometric and spectroscopic study

Complex formation equilibria of aluminum(III), gadolinium(III), and yttrium(III) ions with the fluoroquinolone antibacterials moxifloxacin, ofloxacin, fleroxacin, lomefloxacin, levofloxacin, and ciprofloxacin were studied in aqueous solution by potentiometric and spectroscopic methods. The identity and stability of metal–fluoroquinolone complexes were determined by analyzing potentiometric titration curves (310 K, μ = 0.15 M NaCl, pH range = 2–11, C_L/C_M = 1?:?1 to 3?:?1, C_M = 1.0 mM) with the aid of Hyperquad2006 program. The main species formed in the system may be formulated as M_pH_qL_r (p = 1, q = ?2 to 2, r = 1–3, L = fluoroquinolone anion, logarithm of overall stability constant, log β_p,q,r = in the range ca. ?10 to 45). The stability of complexes is mostly influenced by metal ion properties (ionization potential, ionic radius) indicating partial ionic character of the coordination bond. The complexes were also characterized by spectroscopic measurements: spectrofluorimetry, ¹H-NMR, and ESI-MS. Fluorimetric data were evaluated with the aid of HypSpec2014 and indicated the formation of ML_r (r = 1–3) complexes with cumulative conditional stability constants significantly lower than the thermodynamic ones. NMR and MS data corroborate potentiometrically determined speciation. Calculated plasma mobilizing capacity of the ligands generally follows the order levofloxacin > moxifloxacin > ciprofloxacin at concentration levels of the ligands higher or equal to ca. 10^?4 M.     

Nitrite electrochemical sensor for food analysis based on direct immobilization of hemoglobin on multi-walled carbon nanotube ionic liquid electrode

A novel nitrite biosensor was constructed by simultaneous immobilization of hemoglobin (Hb) and a room temperature ionic liquid, octylpyridinium chloride ([OcPy][Cl]), on multi-walled carbon ionic liquid electrode (MWILE). The direct electron transfer of Hb showed a pair of redox peaks with a formal potential of ?0.187 V vs. Ag/AgCl in pH 5.0 acetate buffer solution. Nitrite (NO₂ ^?) catalysis on the modified electrode was investigated by cyclic voltammetry and amperometry. The biosensor exhibited a wide linear range for NO₂ ^? detection from 0.01 to 15 mM, with a detection limit (3σ) of 1.46 μM. MWILE provided an excellent matrix for protein immobilization and biosensor fabrication which could be used for the determination of NO₂ ^? with a low detection limit, fast response, long linearity, and excellent sensitivity.     

Hydrogen‐Bonding Interactions and Properties of Energetic Nitroamino[1,3,5]triazine‐Based Guanidinium Salts: DFT‐D and QTAIM Studies

The intramolecular hydrogen‐bonding interactions and properties of a series of nitroamino[1,3,5]triazine‐based guanidinium salts were studied by using the dispersion‐corrected density functional theory method (DFT‐D). Results show that there are evident LP(N or O; LP=lone pair)→σ*(N? H) orbital interactions related to O???H? N or N???H? N hydrogen bonds. Quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) was applied to characterize the intramolecular hydrogen bonds. For the guanidinium salts studied, the intramolecular hydrogen bonds are associated with a seven‐ or eight‐membered pseudo‐ring. The guanylurea cation is more helpful for improving the thermal stabilities of the ionic salts than other guanidinium cations. The contributions of different substituents on the triazine ring to the thermal stability increase in the order of ? NO₂23 (? ONO₂)2. Energy decomposition analysis shows that the salts are stable owing to electrostatic and orbital interactions between the ions, whereas the dispersion energy has very small contributions. Moreover, the salts exhibit relatively high densities in the range of 1.62–1.89 g cm^?3. The detonation velocities and pressures lie in the range of 6.49–8.85 km s^?1 and 17.79–35.59 GPa, respectively, which makes most of them promising explosives.     

Synthesis and ionic conductivity of polymer ionic liquids

Four vinyl monomers containing a covalently bonded cation ethylimidazolium and various anions—Br^?, (CF₃SO₂)₂N^?, (CN)₂N^?, and CF₃SO ₃ ^? —have been synthesized. High-molecular-mass polymers (M _w up to 1.84 × 10⁶) having the structure of ionic liquids have been prepared via the free-radical polymerization of 1-vinyl-3-ethylimidazolium in bulk and molecular and ionic solvents. The thermal stability and heat resistance of the resulting polymer salts have been estimated. It has been demonstrated that the thermal characteristics of these salts significantly depend on the nature of anions. The glass-transition temperatures of the polymers range from 19 to 235°C. The ionic conductivity of the polymer salts and their compositions with individual ionic liquids has been studied in the frequency range 50–10⁶ Hz. The highest conductivity (1.5 × 10^?5 S/cm) is exhibited by the polymer containing the (CN)₂N^? anion.     

Application of polyacrylonitrile-based polymer electrolytes in rechargeable lithium batteries

Polyacrylonitrile (PAN)-based polymer electrolytes have obtained considerable attention due to their fascinating characteristics such as appreciable ionic conductivity at ambient temperatures and mechanical stability. This study is based on the system PAN–ethylene carbonate (EC)–propylene carbonate (PC)–lithium trifluoromethanesulfonate (LiCF₃SO₃). The composition 15 mol% PAN–42 mol% EC–36 mol% PC–7 mol% LiCF₃SO₃ has shown a maximum room temperature conductivity of 1.2?×?10^?3 S cm^?1. Also, it was possible to make a thin, transparent film out of that composition. Cells of the form, Li/PAN–EC–PC–LiCF₃SO₃/polypyrrole (PPy)–alkylsulfonate (AS) were investigated using cyclic voltammetry and continuous charge–discharge tests. When cycled at low scan rates, a higher capacity could be obtained and well-defined peaks were present. The appearance of peaks elucidates the fact that redox reactions occur completely. This well proves the reason for higher capacity. The average specific capacity was about 43 Ah kg^?1. Cells exhibited a charge factor close to unity during continuous charging and discharging, indicating the absence of parasitic reactions.     

Two-step one-electron transfer reaction of chromium(III) complex containing levodopa and uridine with N-bromosuccinimide

[Cr^III(LD)(Urd)(H₂O)₄](NO₃)₂?·?3H₂O (LD?=?Levodopa; Urd?=?uridine) was prepared and characterized. The product of the oxidation reaction was examined using HPLC. Kinetics of the oxidation of [Cr^III(LD)(Urd)(H₂O)₄]²⁺ with N-bromosuccinimide (NBS) in an aqueous solution was studied spectrophotometrically, with 1.0–5.0?×?10^?4?mol?dm^?3 complex, 0.5–5.0?×?10^?2?mol?dm^?3 NBS, 0.2–0.3?mol?dm^?3 ionic strength (I), and 30–50°C. The reaction is first order with respect to [Cr^III] and [NBS], decreases as pH increases in the range 5.46–6.54 and increases with the addition of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS, 0.0–1.0?×?10^?3?mol?dm^?3). Activation parameters including enthalpy, ΔH*, and entropy, ΔS*, were calculated. The experimental rate law is consistent with a mechanism in which the protonated species is more reactive than its conjugate base. It is assumed that the two-step one-electron transfer takes place via an inner-sphere mechanism. A mechanism for this reaction is proposed and supported by an excellent isokinetic relationship between ΔH* and ΔS* for some Cr^III complexes. Formation of [Cr^III(LD)(Urd)(H₂O)₄]²⁺ in vivo probably occurs with patients who administer the anti-Parkinson drug (Levodopa), since Cr^III is a natural food element. This work provides an opportunity to identify the nature of such interactions in vivo similar to that in vitro.     

Direct electrochemistry and electrochemical biosensing of glucose oxidase based on CdSe@CdS quantum dots and MWNT-modified electrode

The direct electron transfer of glucose oxidase (GOx) was achieved based on the immobilization of CdSe@CdS quantum dots on glassy carbon electrode by multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWNTs)-chitosan (Chit) film. The immobilized GOx displayed a pair of well-defined and reversible redox peaks with a formal potential (E ^θ’) of ?0.459 V (versus Ag/AgCl) in 0.1 M pH 7.0 phosphate buffer solution. The apparent heterogeneous electron transfer rate constants (k _s) of GOx confined in MWNTs-Chit/CdSe@CdS membrane were evaluated as 1.56 s^?1 according to Laviron's equation. The surface concentration (Γ*) of the electroactive GOx in the MWNTs-Chit film was estimated to be (6.52?±?0.01)?×?10^?11?mol?cm^?2. Meanwhile, the catalytic ability of GOx toward the oxidation of glucose was studied. Its apparent Michaelis–Menten constant for glucose was 0.46?±?0.01 mM, showing a good affinity. The linear range for glucose determination was from 1.6?×?10^?4 to 5.6?×?10^?3?M with a relatively high sensitivity of 31.13?±?0.02 μA?mM^?1?cm^?2 and a detection limit of 2.5?×?10^?5?M (S/N=3).     

Temperature-assisted ionic liquid-based dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction with following back-extraction for HPLC/UV–Vis determination of 3-indole acetic acid in pea plants

In this work, the ionic liquid (IL)[C₆mim][PF₆] was used as IL-based extractant for dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction, followed by back-extraction and HPLC/UV–Vis determination of 3-indole acetic acid (IAA) in pea plant. The effects of some crucial factors such as chemical structure and volume of IL, pH adjustment, dissolution temperature, extraction time, centrifugation time, and ionic strength of aqueous sample were studied. The linear range of the HPLC method for IAA quantification was 17.5 × 10^?2–36.8 mg L^?1. LOD, LOQ, method recovery, and preconcentration factor values were 0.170 mg L^?1, 0.175 mg L^?1, 98.3, and 40 %, respectively. The RSD for the suggested method was calculated as 0.93 % at 35.04 mg L^?1 of IAA and each IL phase was able to be reused for at least four DLLME/back-extraction cycles. To evaluate the applicability of the suggested method, IAA was determined in pea plant samples.     

Speciation and Stability of Dioxovanadium(V) Complexes with Diethylenetriaminepentaacetic Acid at Different Ionic Strengths

UV spectroscopic measurements have been used to determine the binding ability of diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) ligand towards the $ {\text{VO}}_2^+ $ ion at different ionic strengths of sodium chloride (0.11–0.95 mol·dm^?3) and at T = 298 K. Dissociation constants of DTPA have been gathered from the literature. Calculations allowed us to identify the formation of three species VO₂H₃L, VO₂H₂L^? and VO₂HL^2? in the pH range of about 1.00–2.50. All of these complexes were characterized in terms of their stability constants on the basis of two different thermodynamic models (extended Debye–Hückel type and specific ion interaction theory) for the investigation of the ionic strength dependence of the stability and dissociation constants. Comparison with literature data is also reported.     

Proton-conducting membranes: poly (N-vinyl pyrrolidone) complexes with various ammonium salts

The present study focuses on the proton-conducting polymer electrolytes; poly (N-vinyl pyrrolidone)–ammonium thiocyanate and poly (N-vinyl pyrrolidone)–ammonium acetate prepared by solution casting technique. The XRD analysis indicates the amorphous nature of the polymer electrolytes. The Raman spectra of the C=O vibration of pure polymer PVP at 1,663 cm^?1 has been appeared as doublet in the polymer electrolytes. The introduction of this new peak in the salt-doped polymer electrolytes may be due to interaction of the cation with the polymer. The room temperature ionic conductivity σ _303κ has been found to be high, 1.7?×?10^?4 S cm^?1 for 80 mol% PVP–20 mol% NH₄SCN and 1.5?×?10^?6 S cm^?1 for 75 mol% PVP–25 mol% CH₃COONH₄. The polymer electrolytes have been tested for their application in Zn–air battery.     

Nanocomposite blend gel polymer electrolyte for proton battery application

A proton-conducting nanocomposite gel polymer electrolyte (GPE) system, [35{(25 poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA) + 75 poly(vinylidenefluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVdF-HFP))?+?xSiO₂}?+?65{1 M NH₄SCN in ethylene carbonate (EC) + propylene carbonate (PC)}], where x?=?0, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12, has been reported. The free standing films of the gel electrolyte are obtained by solution cast technique. Films exhibit an amorphous and porous structure as observed from X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies. Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry (FTIR) studies indicate ion–filler–polymer interactions in the nanocomposite blend GPE. The room temperature ionic conductivity of the gel electrolyte has been measured with different silica concentrations. The maximum ionic conductivity at room temperature has been observed as 4.3?×?10^?3?S?cm^?1 with 2 wt.% of SiO₂ dispersion. The temperature dependence of ionic conductivity shows a typical Vogel-Tamman-Fulcher (VTF) behavior. The electrochemical potential window of the nanocomposite GPE film has been observed between ?1.6 V and 1.6 V. The optimized composition of the gel electrolyte has been used to fabricate a proton battery with Zn/ZnSO₄·7H₂O anode and PbO₂/V₂O₅ cathode. The open circuit voltage (OCV) of the battery has been obtained as 1.55 V. The highest energy density of the cell has been obtained as 6.11 Wh?kg^?1 for low current drain. The battery shows rechargeability up to 3 cycles and thereafter, its discharge capacity fades away substantially.     

Phase equilibrium and macrolide antibiotics partitioning in real water samples using a two-phase system composed of the ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate and an aqueous solution of an inorganic salt

An ionic liquid-salt aqueous two-phase system (ILATPS) based on the hydrophilic ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([Bmim]BF₄) and inorganic salt was developed for direct separation and analysis of macrolide antibiotics coupled with molecular fluorescence spectrophotometry. Liquid–liquid equilibria of [Bmim]BF₄-salt aqueous two-phase systems were studied for different salts and temperatures. It was found that the salting-out ability of different salts may be related to the Gibbs energy of hydration of the ions, and the two-phase area was expanded with a decrease in temperature. The partition coefficients as well as extraction efficiencies of azithromycin and mydecamycin in [Bmim]BF₄-salt aqueous two-phase system were influenced by the types of salts, concentration of salt, and the extracting temperature. Under the optimum conditions, the average partition coefficient of azithromycin in [Bmim]BF₄-Na₂CO₃ ILATPS was 162, and that of mydecamycin in [Bmim]BF₄- NaH₂PO₄ ILATPS was 90.9. This method has been satisfactorily applied to the determination of azithromycin and mydecamycin in real water samples with detection limits of 0.059 µg mL^?1 and 0.019 µg mL^?1. This extraction method is a simple, non-toxic and effective sample pretreatment technique with promise also for the separation of other small biomolecules.     

Amphiphilic polymer electrolytes consisting of PVC‐g‐POEM comb‐like copolymer and LiCF3SO3

An amphiphilic comb‐like copolymer consisting of a poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) backbone and poly((oxyethylene)₉ methacrylate) (POEM) side chains, PVC‐graft‐POEM was synthesized via atom transfer radical polymerization. This comb copolymer was complexed with LiCF₃SO₃ to form a solid polymer electrolyte. FTIR and FT‐Raman spectroscopy indicate that lithium salts are dissolved in the ion conducting POEM domains of microphase‐separated graft copolymer up to 10 wt % of salt concentration. Microphase‐separated structure of the materials and the selective interaction of lithium ions with POEM domains were revealed by transmission electron microscopy, wide angle X‐ray scattering, and differential scanning calorimetry. The maximum ionic conductivity of 4.4 × 10^?5 S/cm at room temperature was achieved at 10 wt % of salt concentration, above which salts are present as less mobile species such as ion pairs and higher order ionic aggregates, as characterized by FT‐Raman spectroscopy. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 47: 1443–1451, 2009