Dielectric Relaxation and Conductivity in Polyelectrolyte Systems

Using Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy, we have monitored the dynamical relaxations of polyelectrolytes in concentrated solutions and in charged materials. Here, we explore the effects of chain length, ionic strength, cross-link density, and pH on the dynamics of charged macromolecular assemblies. We also report experimental results on the ionic conductivity of these systems. This research builds our understanding of the parameters necessary for tuning functional properties of polyelectrolyte-based systems, and motivates further work in logically designing electrically-responsive materials.