The Polymer Society of Korea

Abstract

Thermo-responsive polymers attract interest as smart materials that undergo physical or chemical changes with temperature. While their aqueous behavior is well studied, responses in organic solvents are less explored. This study examines the thermo-responsive behavior of poly(ether sulfone) (PES) in organic media. End-group modification and molecular weight control via chain-growth condensation polymerization enabled precise tuning of the cloud point temperature, especially in low-molecular-weight PES due to free volume effects. Solvent affinity was also evaluated by varying non-solvent species and concentrations. The system responded to the hydrogenation state of benzene derivatives with similar ring structures but different aromaticity. An electrochemical method was developed to monitor phase transitions, showing that redox species diffusion is hindered. These findings suggest the potential of thermo-responsive PES for applications in electrochemical systems using organic solvents.