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Process intensification of continuous-flow seATRP by a sonicated multi-reactor setup
Suqi Zhang1, Tanja Junkers2, Simon Kuhn1
1KU Leuven, Department of Chemical Engineering Celestijnenlaan 200F 3001 Leuven Belgium simon.kuhn@kuleuven.be.
Reaction Chemistry & Engineering
|November 28, 2023
Summary
A new multi-reactor setup enhances continuous-flow simplified electrochemically mediated atom transfer radical polymerization (seATRP). This method achieves 90% conversion and high molecular weight polymer synthesis, overcoming previous limitations.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Simplified electrochemically mediated atom transfer radical polymerization (seATRP) offers precise polymer synthesis.
- Continuous-flow seATRP in microreactors faces challenges with low conversion and high molecular weight polymer production.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel multi-reactor setup for continuous-flow seATRP.
- To improve polymer conversion, molecular weight control, and address viscosity issues in high molecular weight polymer synthesis.
Main Methods:
- Implementation of a multi-reactor system for seATRP.
- Tuning applied currents across different reaction stages.
- Utilizing viscous attenuation in a second reactor to manage sonication.
Main Results:
- Achieved 90% polymer conversion with low dispersity (<1.35).
- Successfully addressed challenges in synthesizing high molecular weight polymers.
- Demonstrated a wider processing window for sonication.
Conclusions:
- The novel multi-reactor setup significantly advances continuous-flow seATRP.
- This approach enables efficient synthesis of high molecular weight polymers with controlled architectures.
- The developed system provides a viable strategy for scaling up continuous-flow seATRP processes.
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