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Synthesis of polymers with on-demand sequence structures via dually switchable and interconvertible polymerizations
Ze Zhang1, Tian-You Zeng1, Lei Xia1
1Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Soft Matter Chemistry, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, People's Republic of China.
Nature Communications
|July 4, 2018
Summary
Researchers developed a novel polymerization system allowing precise control over polymer sequence structures. This breakthrough enables on-demand synthesis of complex copolymers, previously inaccessible with existing methods.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Chemistry
- Materials Science
Background:
- Precise synthesis of polymers with defined sequence structures is crucial for both academic research and industrial applications.
- Current polymerization techniques face limitations in achieving on-demand control over copolymer sequences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel polymerization system for on-demand synthesis of polymers with precise sequence structures.
- To enable independent and reversible control over distinct polymerization processes.
Main Methods:
- Introduction of a dually switchable and controlled interconvertible polymerization system.
- Utilizing external stimuli to selectively switch two distinct orthogonal polymerizations ON/OFF.
- Achieving prompt and quantitative interconversion between polymerization modes.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated independent ON/OFF switching of two orthogonal polymerization processes.
- Showcased temporal, spatial, and orthogonal manipulation of monomer insertion via external stimuli.
- Enabled precise arrangement of sequence structures in resulting copolymer chains.
Conclusions:
- The developed system offers unprecedented control over polymer sequence synthesis.
- This method provides a powerful tool for creating advanced materials not achievable through conventional polymerization techniques.
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