polyelectrolyte network

Polymer network containing ionic or ionizable groups in a substantial fraction of its constitutional units.
Notes:
  1. A polyelectrolytenetwork is sometimes called a crosslinked polyelectrolyte. Use of the latter term is not recommended unless the polyelectrolytenetwork is formed by the crosslinking of existing polyelectrolyte macromolecules rather than by non-linear polymerisation
  2. In contrast to a polyelectrolyte, a polyelectrolytenetwork is always insoluble, although swelling or contraction can occur when it is immersed in a solvent.
  3. A polyelectrolytenetwork in contact with a solution of a salt is able to exchange counter-ions (cations or anions) with ionic species in the solution and act as an ion exchanger. Therefore, a polyelectrolytenetwork is frequently described as an ion-exchange polymer.
Source:
PAC, 2006, 78, 2067 (Terminology of polymers containing ionizable or ionic groups and of polymers containing ions (IUPAC Recommendations 2006)) on page 2073