Merging Reactivity and Properties: Photocontrolled Synthesis of pi-Conjugated Polymers
Abstract
Macromolecules offer unique opportunities to translate molecular design into structural features at the nano- to macroscale. However, these opportunities can only be realized if we have synthetic control over macromolecular structure. Advances in controlled radical polymerization have enabled the synthesis of soft materials with unprecedented properties. Moreover, detailed mechanistic studies have led to significant improvements in the efficiency, monomer scope, and degree of control over structure and architecture. This paradigm shift has not yet occurred for pi-conjugated polymers: the majority of advances have been made using step-growth polymerization. We present a mechanistically distinct strategy for chain-growth polymerization based on the inherent properties of conjugated polymers. Because the mechanistic requirements for propagation are essential features of high-performance conjugated polymers, this reactivity will accelerate the discovery of new copolymers and nanocomposites. These materials will allow us to establish structure-property relationships for emerging applications of conjugated polymers.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Apr 09, 2018
- Source ID
- FA95501810159
Entities
People
- Julia A Kalow
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- Northwestern University
- United States Air Force