The structural evolution in poly(styrene‐b‐butadiene) (P(S‐b‐B)) diblock copolymer thin films during solvent vapor treatment is investigated in situ using time‐resolved grazing‐incidence small‐angle X‐ray scattering (GISAXS). Using incident angles above and below the polymer critical angle, structural changes near the film surface and in the entire film are distinguished. The swelling of the film is one‐dimensional along the normal of the substrate. During swelling, the initially perpendicular lamellae tilt within the film to be able to shrink. In contrast, at the film surface, the lamellae stay perpendicular, and eventually vanish at the expense of a thin PB wetting layer. During the subsequent drying, the perpendicular lamellae reappear at the surface, and finally, PS blocks protrude. By modeling, the time‐dependent height of the protrusions can be quantitatively extracted.
Well‐defined poly(2,5‐dihexyloxyphenylene‐1,4‐diyl) (PPP) is successfully synthesized by the Negishi catalyst‐transfer polycondensation (NCTP) using dilithium tetra(tert‐butyl)zincate (tBu4ZnLi2). The obtained PPP possesses the number‐averaged molecular weight (M n) values in the range of 2100–22 000 and the molar‐mass dispersity (Ð M) values in the range of 1.09–1.23. In addition, block copolymers containing PPP and poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT) segments (PPP‐b‐P3HT) are synthesized to confirm the feasibility of chain extension between the different monomers based on NCTP.
A commercially available palladium N‐heterocyclic carbene (Pd‐NHC) precatalyst is used to initiate chain‐growth polymerization of 2‐bromo‐3‐hexyl‐5‐trimethylstannylthiophene. The molecular weight of the resultant poly(3‐hexylthiophene) can be modulated (7 to 73 kDa, Đ = 1.14 to 1.53) by varying the catalyst concentration. Mass spectrometry data confirm control over the polymer end groups and 1H NMR spectroscopy reveals that the palladium catalyst is capable of “ring‐walking”. A linear relationship between Mn and monomer conversion is observed. Atomic force microscopy and X‐ray scattering verify the regioregular nature of the resultant polythiophene.
Supramolecular copolymers can not only enrich the diversity of the polymer backbone but also exhibit certain special and improved properties compared with supramolecular homopolymers. However, the synthesis procedure of supramolecular copolymers is relatively complicated and time‐consuming. Herein, a simple transformation from an AB2‐based supramolecular hyperbranched homopolymer to an AB2+CD2‐based supramolecular hyperbranched alternating copolymer by the “competitive self‐sorting” strategy is reported. After adding CD2 monomer, which bears a competitive neutral guest moiety ( TAPN ) and two receptive benzo‐21‐crown‐7 host moieties ( B21C7 ), to the as‐prepared AB2‐type supramolecular hyperbranched homopolymer constructed by the self‐assembly of dialkylammonium salt ( DAAS , A group)‐functionalized pillar[5]arene ( MeP5 , B groups) monomers, the initial homopolymer structure is disrupted and then reassemble into a new supramolecular hyperbranched alternating copolymer based on the competitive self‐sorting interaction between MeP5 ‐ TAPN and B21C7 ‐ DAAS . This study supplies a convenient approach to directly transform supramolecular homopolymers into supramolecular copolymers.
A recent response on a publication from our team investigating solvent effects on propagation rate coefficients is commented. Among other issues, we point to the fact that the response interprets only a subset of the data provided in our original contribution.
Bridgehead imine‐substituted cyclopentadithiophene structural units, in combination with highly electronegative acceptors that exhibit progressively delocalized π‐systems, afford donor–acceptor (DA) conjugated polymers with broad absorption profiles that span technologically relevant wavelength (λ) ranges from 0.7 < λ < 3.2 μm. A joint theoretical and experimental study demonstrates that the presence of the cross‐conjugated substituent at the donor bridgehead position results in the capability to fine‐tune structural and electronic properties so as to achieve very narrow optical bandgaps (Egopt < 0.5 eV). This strategy affords modular DA copolymers with broad‐ and long‐wavelength light absorption in the infrared and materials with some of the narrowest bandgaps reported to date.
To extend fossil oil supplies, sustainable feed stocks for the production of useful reagents and polymers should be harnessed. In this regard, chemicals derived from plants are excellent candidates. While the vast majority of plant sources used for polymer science only contain CxHyOz, alkaloids such as caffeine, nicotine, and theophylline possess nitrogen functionality that can provide new functions for bioderived polymers and their synthesis. In this context, the chemistry of theophylline, a natural product found in chocolate and tea, is exploited to create a cationic “poly(theophylline)” in a straightforward fashion for the first time. This work demonstrates how this new polymer can be synthesized and used for the creation of narrowly disperse cationic microspheres.
In the past decade, polymer vesicles prepared by self‐assembly techniques have attracted increasing scientific interest based on their unique features highlighted with tunable membrane properties, versatility, stability, and capacity of transporting hydrophilic as well as hydrophobic species. Polymersomes exhibit intriguing potential applications such as cell mimicking dimensions and functions, tunable delivery vehicles, for the templating of biomineralization, nanoreactors, and as scaffolds for biological conjugation. In this Feature Article, an overview of the preparation and application of recently developed “smart” polymer vesicles, which can respond to the novel external stimuli, including carbon dioxide (CO2), electrochemical potential, ultrasound, enzyme, near‐infrared light, and magnetic field is given. The response mechanism and morphology change are explored with specific focus on the functionalization of various domains of the polymer vesicles. In addition, the current limitations are explored as well as the challenges facing the development of these nanostructures toward real‐world applications.
Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is applied for investigating binding of lectins to multivalent glycopolymer brushes grafted from interdigital gold microelectrodes. By variation of the measuring frequency, EIS allows simultaneous analysis of binding at different subnanometer distances from the sensor surfaces. In this way, the binding dynamics along the brushes are quantified, giving an idea about the motion of the lectin through the brush layer. Two different brush lengths are investigated, revealing distinct dynamics of lectin binding due to changing topology of the brushes. Moreover, very low KD values in the nanomolar range are obtained. This unique platform may be used as sophisticated biosensor for detailed investigation of high‐affinity protein binding to polymer layers.
A facile and universal method is presented for the preparation of polymer brushes on amorphous TiO2 film. Homogeneous and stable poly(methyl methacrylate), polystyrene, poly(4‐vinylpyridine), and poly(N‐vinyl imidazole) (PNVI) brushes up to 550 nm are directly created onto TiO2 via UV‐induced photopolymerization of corresponding monomers. Kinetic studies reveal a linear increase in thickness with the polymerization time. Characterization of the resulting polymer brushes by FTIR spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, contact angle, and atomic force microscopy (AFM) indicates an efficient UV‐grafting reaction. Finally, we have demonstrated the possibility in converting the PNVI brushes to poly(vinyl imidazolium bromide), i.e., poly(ionic liquid) brushes by polymer–analogous reactions.
PEG400 (polyethylene glycol, MW 400) biscyanoacrylate is synthesized and copolymerized with 2‐octyl cyanoacrylate for potential use as bioadhesive. PEG400 biscyanoacrylate is synthesized from the esterification of anthracenyl cyanoacrylic acid where the anthracene unit serves as vinyl‐protecting group. Copolymerization increases the plasticity, mechanical strength, and resilience of the resulted polymer as determined by dynamic mechanical analysis. Peeling test confirms its superior bioadhesive properties. Surface morphology is characterized by SEM imaging. The formulations are cytocompatible and safe. This cyanoacrylate composition may provide improved bioadhesive cyanoacrylates.
For the first time, the successful Gilch synthesis of poly(ortho‐phenylene vinylenes) (ortho‐PPVs) is reported. The molar mass of the constitutionally homogeneous ortho‐PPVs reaches values as high as Mw ≈ 300 000 Da. The ortho‐connectivity of the repeating units forces the chains to assume closely packed conformations even in good solvents. Significant perturbation of the π–electron systems and considerable shortening of the conjugation lengths are the consequences. UV–vis absorption and photoluminescence maxima consequently are shifted clearly toward shorter wavelengths compared to, e.g., classic para‐PPVs.
The modulation of the cloud point of aqueous poly(N,N‐diethylacrylamide) solutions via the formation of supramolecular cyclodextrin complexes with hydrophobic end groups, namely adamantyl, tert‐butyl phenyl and azobenzene, synthesized via RAFT polymerization is described. The dependence of the apparent cloud points after cyclodextrin complexation is investigated with respect to the type and quantity of the guest end group, the polymer chain length and the cyclodextrin/end group ratio. Furthermore, the effect is reversed via the addition of guest molecules or via biocompatible enzymatic degradation of the cyclodextrins entire.
Although water promotes Suzuki–Miyaura coupling reaction, it also induces side reactions such as deboronation and dehalogenation. Therefore, Suzuki–Miyaura polymerization of triolborate halothiophene monomer 1 with tBu3PPd(o‐tolyl)Br ( 2 ) in dry tetrahydrofuran (THF) is investigated. However, the resultant poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT) shows a broad molecular weight distribution and uncontrolled polymer ends. Model reactions of a number of boron reagents 3 with 2,5‐dibromothiophene ( 4 ) in the presence or absence of water indicate that intramolecular transfer of the catalyst is hardly affected by the boron moiety of 3 , whereas it is hindered in the absence of water. Indeed, polymerization of 1 with 2 in H2O/THF affords P3HT with a narrower molecular weight distribution and controlled tolyl/H ends, as compared to the reaction in dry THF.
The first polymer bearing exTTF units intended for the use in electrical charge storage is presented. The polymer undergoes a redox reaction involving two electrons at −0.20 V vs Fc/Fc+ and is applied as active cathode material in a Li‐organic battery. The received coin cells feature a theoretical capacity of 132 mAh g−1, a cell potential of 3.5 V, and a lifetime exceeding more than 250 cycles.
Porous polymer membranes made via electrostatic complexation are fabricated from a water‐soluble poly(ionic liquid) (PIL) for the first time. The porous structure is formed as a consequence of simultaneous phase separation of the PIL and ionic complexation with an acid, which occurred in a basic solution of a nonsolvent for the PIL. These membranes have a stimuli‐responsive porosity, with open and closed pores in isopropanol and in water, respectively. This property is quantitatively demonstrated in filtration experiments, where water is passing much slower through the membranes than isopropanol.
The polymerization of ocimene has been first achieved by half‐sandwich rare‐earth metal dialkyl complexes in combination with activator and AliBu3. The regio‐ and stereoselectivity in the ocimene polymerization can be controlled by tuning the cyclopentadienyl ligand and the central metal of the complex. The chiral cyclopentadienyl‐ligated Sc complex 1 prepares syndiotactic cis‐1,4‐polyocimene (cis‐1,4‐selectivity up to 100%, rrrr = 100%), while the corresponding Lu, Y, and Dy complexes 2 – 4 and the achiral pentamethylcyclopentadienyl Sc, Lu, and Y complexes 5 – 7 afford isotactic trans‐1,2‐polyocimenes (trans‐1,2‐selectivity up to 100%, mm = 100%).
In order to improve the stability of polymeric vesicles, supramolecular vesicles are developed via self‐assembly of the inclusion of γ‐cyclodextrin (γ‐CD) and 1‐pyrenemethyl palmitate (Py‐pal). The inclusion has one hydrophilic head and double hydrophobic tails, which looks like the phospholipid. From the transmission electron microscopy (TEM) image, it can be observed that the average diameter of supramolecular vesicles is approximately 55 nm and there is a huge cavity in supramolecular vesicles. Due to the photo‐breakable ester of Py‐pal, supramolecular vesicles are broken under UV irradiation. Supramolecular vesicles are used as UV‐responsive drug carriers to release the hydrophilic drug such as doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX•HCl).
The preparation of multifunctional polymers and block copolymers by a straightforward one‐pot reaction process that combines enzymatic transacylation with light‐controlled polymerization is described. Functional methacrylate monomers are synthesized by enzymatic transacylation and used in situ for light‐controlled polymerization, leading to multifunctional methacrylate‐based polymers with well‐defined microstructure.
Special characteristics of wrinkles such as a scattering source and a high surface area are finding use in high‐tech applications. UV‐crosslinkable prepolymers are occasionally used for fabricating wrinkled films. Wavelength of the wrinkles formed from the prepolymers is several tens and hundreds of micrometers. Here, a UV‐crosslinkable liquid prepolymer is synthesized to spontaneously form wrinkle structures in the order of several micrometers. Double layers with a very thin hard skin and a soft and contractible foundation are formed at the same time, by ensuring that all the absorbance wavelengths of the photoinitiator are shorter than the minimum wavelength at which the prepolymer is transparent. The rate of photo‐crosslinking reaction, Rp, is also found to affect the thickness of the skin and foundation layers at the early UV‐curing stage. The first‐order apparent rate constant, kapp, is between ≈0.20 and ≈0.69 s−1 for the wrinkle formation. This wrinkle structures can be simply modulated by changing Rp.
