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Main-Chain Fluoropolymers with Alternating Sequence Control via Light-Driven Reversible-Deactivation Copolymerization
Kaixuan Chen1, Yang Zhou1, Shantao Han1
1State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers Department of Macromolecular Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China.
Angewandte Chemie (International Ed. in English)
|January 13, 2022
Summary
Researchers developed a novel light-driven method for controlled synthesis of alternating fluoropolymers. This breakthrough enables on-demand copolymerization, creating advanced materials with tunable properties for diverse applications.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Organic Synthesis
Background:
- Alternating sequence-regulated polymers are highly sought after for advanced applications.
- Main-chain fluoropolymers exhibit unique properties but controlled synthesis remains challenging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel method for controlled fluoropolymer synthesis with alternating sequence regulation.
- To achieve on-demand copolymerization of chlorotrifluoroethylene and vinyl esters/amides using a light-driven process.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a novel fluorinated xanthate agent in a light-driven process for controlled polymerization.
- Employed both batch and flow conditions at ambient pressure for copolymerization.
- Established a two-step photo-flow platform for continuous chain-extension and block copolymer synthesis.
Main Results:
- Achieved controlled fluoropolymer synthesis with precise alternating sequence regulation.
- Demonstrated on-demand copolymerization of chlorotrifluoroethylene and vinyl esters/amides.
- Produced fluoropolymers with a broad fraction range of alternating units, low dispersities, and high chain-end fidelity.
- Synthesized unprecedented block copolymers continuously from fluoroethylene via a photo-flow platform.
Conclusions:
- The novel light-driven method provides facile access to precisely controlled alternating fluoropolymers.
- The developed photo-flow platform enables continuous synthesis of advanced fluoropolymer architectures.
- This work facilitates advanced material engineering through customized fluoropolymer design with tailored thermal and surface properties.
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