Water-induced nanochannel networks in self-assembled block ionomers

Block ionomers cast from solution exhibit solvent-templated morphologies that can be altered by solvent-vapor annealing. When cast from a mixed solvent, a midblock-sulfonated pentablock ionomer self-assembles into spherical ionic microdomains that are loosely connected. Upon exposure to liquid water, nanoscale channels irreversibly develop between the microdomains due to swelling and form a continuous mesoscale network. We use electron tomography and real-time X-ray scattering to follow this transformation and show that the resultant morphology provides a highly effective diffusive pathway.