Effects of structural modification of (alkyldiene-imidazolium bromide)-based gemini monomers on the formation of the lyotropic bicontinuous cubic phase.

Seven homologues of an amphiphilic gemini monomer were synthesized and screened for the ability to form a bicontinuous cubic (Q) lyotropic liquid crystal phase. Four of these homologues form a Q phase with glycerol or water that can be cross-linked with retention of the nanoporous structure, with one exhibiting a well-ordered Q phase with a wider phase window than the parent monomer.