[Preparation and chromatographic properties of mixed-mode chromatographic stationary phases modified by imidazole side-group functionalized poly(ionic liquids)].

A novel mixed-mode chromatographic stationary phase was prepared via surface initiated atom transfer radical polymerization using an imidazole side-group functionalized ionic liquid monomer, 1-(4-vinylbenzyl)-3-cyanomethyl bromide. The structure of the stationary phase was characterized by infrared spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and thermogravimetric analysis. The stationary phase showed good separation ability. The retention mechanism of reversed-phase/ion exchange toward solutes on the stationary phase was verified by determining the effect of mobile phase pH on the retention of substances. Compared with octadecylsilyl-bonded silica stationary phase, it is confirmed that the poly(ionic liquid)-modified stationary phase provides π-π interaction toward the retention of the solutes. The results show that the functionalization of imidazole side groups is a feasible method for preparing new ionic liquid stationary phases.