Synthesis and characterization of polyimides with rigid folded fragments

The macromolecular chain of conventional polyimide (PI) is a predominant linear extension, which is anticipated to uphold robust interchain interactions essential for preserving overall mechanical and thermal performance. This study is dedicated to the design and synthesis for the novel PIs containing folded chains, with a particular emphasis on modifying the chain conformational behavior with respect to the structure of the aggregation state and the corresponding gas separation properties. First, two unidirectional diamine monomers, dibenzo [c, g] phenanthrene-9,12-diamine (NPDA) and anthracene-1,8-diamine (ADA), were meticulously synthesized through a sequence of chemical reactions, including Witting olefination and photocyclization. These monomers possess distinctive spatial characteristics: NPDA adopts a helical conformation, while ADA maintains a planar structure. Subsequently, the corresponding folded chain-containing PIs, denoted as NPI and API, were successfully achieved by copolymerizing one of the unidirectional monomers with the 6FDA-TPDA system. API and NPI generally exhibit a propensity for enhanced molecular chain stacking, while retaining their good solubility and processability. Drawing from both experimental data and simulation results, it was ascertained that the inclusion of these two monomers produces a rearrangement of pore sizes with a decrease in large-size micropores and an increase in the percentage of ultra-micropores. Moreover, the PI membranes with the folded fragments have a much better CO₂ plasticization resistance.