Molecular Photothermal Conversion Catalyst Promotes Photocontrolled Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization

Area of Science:

• Photochemistry
• Polymer Chemistry
• Catalysis

Background:

• Photothermal conversion efficiently converts light to heat, but its integration with catalysis is limited.
• Porphyrinic compounds naturally utilize nonradiative relaxation for light-to-heat conversion.
• Developing dual photothermal conversion and catalysis systems is crucial for advancing light-driven transformations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the photothermal conversion catalytic activity of a vitamin B12 derivative for polymerization.
• To achieve controlled atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) under light irradiation.
• To demonstrate temporal control in photocontrolled thermal polymerization.

Main Methods:

• Utilized heptamethyl ester cobyrinate (HME-Cob), a vitamin B12 derivative, as a photothermal catalyst.
• Employed atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) under visible and near-infrared light irradiation.
• Incorporated a photoinitiator for light-induced catalyst regeneration and temporal control.

Main Results:

• HME-Cob demonstrated effective photothermal conversion and catalytic activity for ATRP.
• Rapid polymerization was achieved with good control under photothermal activation.
• Exquisite temporal control was observed in photocontrolled thermal polymerization across a broad wavelength range.
• The catalyst showed efficacy with near-infrared light, expanding application possibilities.

Conclusions:

• Vitamin B12 derivatives can function as effective photothermal conversion catalysts for polymerization.
• This approach offers precise temporal control over light-induced polymerization.
• The findings highlight the potential for developing novel photothermal catalysts for various applications.