Herein, the synthesis of polymeric ionic liquids (PILs) with paramagnetic anions based on tetrachloroferrate(III) (FeCl₄ ⁻) and tetrabromoferrate(III) (FeBr₄ ⁻) is presented. The formation of the novel polymers encompassing the paramagnetic anions is proven by UV-VIS and Raman spectroscopy. Paramagnetic properties are analyzed using a SQUID measuring system. Some of the obtained PILs show higher magnetic susceptibility values than previously measured for paramagnetic ionic liquids. It is further found that the magnetic susceptibility can be tailored by controlling the iron content in the anion. Interestingly, casted films of the PILs show a strong response to a neodymium magnet. As a potential application, a microgel based on a paramagnetic PIL is used as a reusable catalyst in Friedel–Crafts alkylation. The paramagnetic PIL microgel can be easily separated and reused after the reaction making these new materials interesting for green chemistry processes.

In the search for methods to incorporate Phase Change Materials (PCM) into Portland cement mortar mixtures, PCM based on paraffins adhered to a silica-based matrix appear as a suitable option. However, paraffin particles have been observed to escape from the silica matrix when water is added. There are only limited data on how the use of such PCM affects the behaviour of mortars. To evaluate the effect of this PCM addition, Portland mortar mixtures were elaborated with 5%, 10% and 15% of PCM content, and using CEM 42.5 I R and CEM I 52.5 R cement types. Physical properties such as density, open porosity, air content and water absorption were analysed for fresh and dry samples. The results obtained show that the PCM-added mixtures require greater water and cement amounts than the standard mortar mixtures to achieve similar compressive strengths. Compared to non-PCM mixtures the PCM-added mortars present a density lowering of 37% for fresh mixtures and near 45% for dry state forms. A maximum compressive strength of 15.9 MPa was reached for 15% PCM mixtures, while values beyond 40 MPa were achieved for 5% PCM mixtures. Thus, the proposed study contributes to broad the available knowledge of PCM cement mortar mixtures behaviour and their mix design.