Preparation and characterization of a novel poly-geminal dicationic ionic liquid (PGDIL)

1,4-bis(3-(m-aminobenzyl)imidazole-1-yl)butane bis(hexafluorinephosphate), a novel geminal dicationic ionic liquid (GDIL) containing anilino groups has been synthesized to prepare a novel poly-geminal dicationic ionic liquid film by electro-polymerization. The morphology and structure of the PGDIL film were analyzed by SEM and FTIR, and a possible polymerization mechanism of GDIL on an Au electrode surface was determined to be 3D instantaneous nucleation. The existence of polyaniline-like units in the PGDIL chain was confirmed by FTIR, indicating that the anilino groups of GDIL were electro-polymerized on the surface of the Au electrode using the chronoamperometry method. The electrochemical performance of the PGDIL film in phenol was studied by cyclic voltammetry, and it was determined that the PGDIL film electrode promoted enhanced phenol electrocatalysis compared to the untreated Au electrode. This work extends the application range of poly ionic liquids and associates ionic liquids with conductive polymers. Where further studies on other physical and chemical properties of polymers will be necessary. •Anilino groups was introduced into ionic liquid structure to prepare poly-ionic liquid.•The ploy-ionic liquid containing polyaniline-like units.•The modified electrode suggested to give a high sensitivity in detection phenol.