Self-template synthesis of nanoporous carbons from π-conjugated ionic liquids with aromatic functionalities

Ionic liquids (ILs) are liquids composed of pure ionic components with melting points near room temperature that exhibit unique properties. They are also known as designer solvents. In particular, π-conjugated functional ILs demonstrate photoluminescent properties, making them promising for new applications. In addition, the organic moieties of ILs can function as precursors for carbon materials, facilitating efficient polymerization reactions at high temperatures. In this paper, we present the structural aspects of nanoporous carbon materials derived from π-conjugated ILs, revealing that the domain structure of these ILs plays a crucial role in the carbonization process, as observed from the florescence spectroscopy of the precursor π-conjugated IL. This paper proposes a synthesis process for nanoporous carbon from π-conjugated ILs, demonstrating the thermal stability of ILs with mesoscopic domain structures, thereby promoting carbonization reactions while pore formation occurs simultaneously. This study expands the potential applications of π-conjugated ILs across various fields, and contributes to a deeper understanding of their unique properties from microscopic observations.