From UV to NIR: A Full-Spectrum Metal-Free Photocatalyst for Efficient Polymer Synthesis in Aqueous Conditions |
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| Authors: | Stephanie Allison-Logan Dr. Qiang Fu Yongkang Sun Min Liu Dr. Jijia Xie Prof. Junwang Tang Prof. Greg G. Qiao |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Polymer Science Group, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010 Australia;2. Solar Energy & Advanced Materials Research Group, Department of Chemical Engineering, University College London, Torrington Place, London, WC1E JE UK |
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| Abstract: | Photo-mediation offers unparalleled spatiotemporal control over controlled radical polymerizations (CRP). Photo-induced electron/energy transfer reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (PET-RAFT) polymerization is particularly versatile owing to its oxygen tolerance and wide range of compatible photocatalysts. In recent years, broadband- and near-infrared (NIR)-mediated polymerizations have been of particular interest owing to their potential for solar-driven chemistry and biomedical applications. In this work, we present the first example of a novel photocatalyst for both full broadband- and NIR-mediated CRP in aqueous conditions. Well-defined polymers were synthesized in water under blue, green, red, and NIR light irradiation. Exploiting the oxygen tolerant and aqueous nature of our system, we also report PET-RAFT polymerization at the microliter scale in a mammalian cell culture medium. |
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| Keywords: | NIR photocatalysis photopolymerization RAFT polymerization |
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