Poly(ionic liquid)s with engineered nanopores for energy and environmental applications

Poly(ionic liquid) (PIL) integrates some intrinsic characteristics of ionic liquids (ILs) with classic merits of polymeric materials, and opens up a new dimension to research ionic polymers. Nanoporous PILs with controlled nanopores combine the advantages of two classes of functional materials, i.e., porous polymers and ILs, which greatly expand their applicability to energy storage and conversion, environmental sensing, gas sorption and catalysis. In this short review, we summarize the recent advances in the design and synthesis of nanoporous PILs, focusing on pore generation and engineering, electrostatic interactions, and potential applications to address energy and environmental issues. Porous carbons from nanoporous PIL templates/precursors are also briefly discussed as an extension of nanoporous PILs for energy research. Finally, our future perspectives on the potential of nanoporous PILs are presented.