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Updated: Jun 30, 2025
08:12
Depolymerizable Olefinic Polymers Based on Fused-Ring Cyclooctene Monomers
Published on: December 16, 2022
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Simultaneous Spin Coating and Ring-Opening Metathesis Polymerization for the Rapid Synthesis of Polymer Films
Zane J Parkerson1, Liudmyla Prozorovska2, Matthew P Vasuta2
1Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37235, United States.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|March 22, 2024
Summary
Spin coating ring-opening metathesis polymerization (scROMP) creates uniform polymer films efficiently. This novel method reduces solvent use and enables thin film composite membranes for applications like ethanol dehydration.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Traditional polymer film synthesis often involves multiple steps and significant solvent use.
- Ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) is a powerful technique for polymer synthesis but can be challenging for film fabrication.
- Developing integrated synthesis and deposition methods is crucial for efficient material production.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a novel, integrated technique combining spin coating with ROMP for polymer film synthesis.
- To characterize the properties and fabrication capabilities of the spin coating ROMP (scROMP) method.
- To explore the application of scROMP-derived films in composite membranes for separation processes.
Main Methods:
- Developed the spin coating ROMP (scROMP) technique, integrating monomer deposition and polymerization.
- Synthesized uniform polymer films (homopolymers and copolymers) on various substrates.
- Investigated film thickness control via spin speed and monomer concentration.
- Characterized polymer molecular weight and polydispersity.
- Devised a kinetic model for scROMP to understand process parameters.
Main Results:
- scROMP fabricates large-area (up to 36 cm²) polymer films in under 3 minutes.
- The method significantly reduces solvent consumption compared to traditional techniques.
- Achieved high molecular weight polymers (>100 kDa) with low polydispersity (<1.2).
- Demonstrated successful film formation on both porous and nonporous substrates.
- Developed thin film composite membranes capable of dehydrating ethanol via pervaporation.
Conclusions:
- scROMP offers a highly controlled, efficient, and versatile method for polymer film synthesis and deposition.
- The technique provides precise control over film thickness and polymer properties.
- scROMP is a promising platform for fabricating advanced materials, including functional membranes for separation applications.
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