Visible-light-induced copper-mediated reversible deactivation radical polymerisation without additional...

Area of Science:

• Polymer Chemistry
• Photochemistry
• Materials Science

Background:

• Visible light photochemistry offers an alternative to UV light, avoiding its limitations.
• Photo-induced copper-mediated reversible deactivation radical polymerization (photo Cu-RDRP) typically requires separate copper catalysts and photocatalysts (PCs).
• Integrating PC functionality into other reagents simplifies photo Cu-RDRP.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate a simplified approach to photo Cu-RDRP using a single molecule with dual initiator and photocatalyst functions.
• To investigate the use of a modified commercially available dye, Hostasol Yellow, as a simultaneous initiator and PC.
• To explore the wavelength-dependent behavior and efficiency of this dual-function molecule in polymerization.

Main Methods:

• Chemical modification of Hostasol Yellow to create a dual-function initiator/PC.
• Photo Cu-RDRP under various UV and visible light wavelengths.
• Kinetic studies, in situ chain extension, and MALDI-ToF analysis to assess polymer properties.
• Synthesis of various polyacrylates with controlled molecular weights.

Main Results:

• High monomer conversion (>90%) and low polymer dispersity (≤1.13) achieved using the dual-function dye.
• Demonstrated wavelength-dependent behavior of the dye, noting a mismatch between absorptivity and reactivity.
• Rapid polymerization kinetics with high conversions in minutes.
• Successful synthesis of polymers with a wide range of molecular weights and diverse monomer compositions (hydrophobic, hydrophilic, semi-fluorinated).

Conclusions:

• A simplified and efficient method for photo Cu-RDRP using a single dual-function molecule has been developed.
• The Hostasol Yellow-based PC initiator offers versatility in controlling polymer molecular weight and composition.
• This approach broadens the applicability of visible light-mediated polymerization for creating advanced polymer materials.