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Published on: August 30, 2017
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Polymerization Assisted by Upconversion Nanoparticles under NIR Light
Polina Demina1,2, Natalya Arkharova1, Ilya Asharchuk1
1Federal Scientific Research Center «Crystallography and Photonics» Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninskiy Prospekt 59, Moscow 119333, Russia.
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
|July 10, 2019
Summary
Upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) enable near-infrared light-triggered photopolymerization. This study demonstrates UCNP-guided polymer formation in bulk and on nanoparticle surfaces, creating novel nanocomposite materials.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Near-infrared (NIR) light-triggered photopolymerization offers unique advantages for materials synthesis.
- Upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) possess luminescent properties enabling NIR light absorption and emission in shorter wavelengths.
- Controlling polymerization at the nanoscale is crucial for advanced nanocomposite material development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore upconversion nanoparticle (UCNP)-triggered radical polymerization in both bulk oligomers and on nanoparticle surfaces.
- To investigate the self-assembly behavior of UCNPs during photopolymerization.
- To demonstrate surface-initiated polymerization and photocrosslinking using UCNPs as photosensitizers.
Main Methods:
- Utilized core/shell UCNPs (NaYF4:Yb3+, Tm3+) emitting in UV and blue regions to activate photoinitiators.
- Investigated bulk photopolymerization in homogeneous mixtures, observing UCNP redistribution and superlattice formation.
- Developed a 'grafting from' surface polymerization strategy for polymer shell growth on UCNPs in aqueous dispersion.
- Demonstrated photosensitization of riboflavin by UCNPs via resonance energy transfer for polymerization and photocrosslinking.
Main Results:
- Observed UCNP redistribution and self-assembly into superlattices and spheres within the polymer matrix during bulk photopolymerization.
- Successfully achieved polymer shell growth directly on UCNP surfaces using the 'grafting from' method.
- Confirmed UCNP-mediated photosensitization of riboflavin for polymerization and subsequent photocrosslinking on nanoparticle surfaces.
Conclusions:
- UCNPs can effectively trigger radical polymerization using NIR light, enabling controlled material formation.
- UCNP self-assembly during polymerization leads to unique superlattice structures within the polymer matrix.
- Surface-initiated polymerization on UCNPs provides a route to functionalized nanocomposites with tailored properties.
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