A process of forming a cross-linked electronically active hydrophilic co-polymer is provided and includes the steps of: a. mixing an intrinsically electronically active material and at least one compound of formula (I) with water to form an intermediate mixture; b. adding at least one hydrophilic monomer, at least one hydrophobic monomer, and at least one cross-linker to the intermediate mixture to form a co-monomer mixture; and c. polymerising the co-monomer mixture. Formula (I) is defined as:




where R1 and R2 are independently optionally substituted C1-C6 alkyl and X− is an anion.