Themed collection Polymer Chemistry Emerging Investigators Series
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Covalent adaptive networks with repairable, reprocessable, reconfigurable, recyclable, and re-adhesive (5R) performance via dynamic isocyanate chemistry
Recent developments and challenges in covalent adaptive networks with repairable, reprocessable, reconfigurable, recyclable, and re-adhesive (5R) performance via dynamic isocyanate chemistry are summarized in this review article.
Polym. Chem., 2023,14, 4381-4406
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3PY00944K
Water treatment using stimuli-responsive polymers
Stimuli-responsive polymers are a new category of smart materials used in water treatment via a stimuli-induced purification process and subsequent regeneration processes.
Polym. Chem., 2022,13, 5940-5964
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2PY00992G
State-of-the-art, opportunities, and challenges in bottom-up synthesis of polymers with high thermal conductivity
The ongoing research activities in the fields of bottom-up synthesis of thermally conductive polymers and thermal transport mechanisms in polymers are reviewed. Perspectives on developing polymers with high thermal conductivities are discussed.
Polym. Chem., 2022,13, 4462-4483
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2PY00272H
Organic–inorganic hybrid nanomaterials prepared via polymerization-induced self-assembly: recent developments and future opportunities
This review highlights recent developments in the preparation of organic–inorganic hybrid nanomaterials via polymerization-induced self-assembly.
Polym. Chem., 2022,13, 2554-2569
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2PY00180B
Recent advances in the preparation of semifluorinated polymers
Synthesis of semifluorinated polymers containing fluorous groups on the backbone or as side chains is an increasingly popular field of research.
Polym. Chem., 2021,12, 6515-6526
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1PY01024G
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Therapeutic applications of responsive organic photocatalytic polymers, enabling in situ drug activation
Targeted prodrug activation within the acidic tumour microenvironment using pH-responsive photocatalytic nanomaterials.
Polym. Chem., 2024,15, 3223-3228
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4PY00493K
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Tröger's base-containing fluorenone organic polymer for discriminative fluorescence sensing of sulfamethazine antibiotic at ppb level in the water medium
A new Tröger's base containing fluorenone organic polymer (TB-FL-COP) was synthesized and used as a fluorescence sensor for discriminative sensing of antibiotics in water.
Polym. Chem., 2023,14, 4153-4159
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3PY00857F
Expedient synthesis and ring-opening metathesis polymerization of pyridinonorbornenes
Pyridinonorbornenes, a unique family of ROMP monomers, were synthesized via the intermediacy of 2,3-pyridynes. Modulation of the steric hindrance about the nitrogen allowed a living ROMP process and the production of polymers with high Tg and Td.
Polym. Chem., 2022,13, 5530-5535
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2PY00857B
Peptide based folding and function of single polymer chains
A modular synthetic strategy to fold single polymer chains upon deprotection of pendent cysteine terminal peptides is reported. The one step deprotection initiates both folding and catalytic activity of the macromolecular architectures.
Polym. Chem., 2022,13, 5458-5462
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2PY00717G
Tailoring the luminescence of FRET systems built using supramolecular polymeric nanotubes
Supramolecular polymeric nanotubes self-assembled from cyclic peptide–polymer conjugates are employed as general scaffolds to fabricate supramolecular FRET systems with tailorable and responsive luminescence.
Polym. Chem., 2022,13, 4366-4371
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2PY00557C
Facile synthesis of asymmetric molecular brushes with triple side chains using a multivalent monomer strategy
Heterografted molecular brushes comprising three different brushes were synthesized based on the Br-acrylate-epoxide multivalent monomer strategy, which enabled the fabrication of 2D platelets and the stabilization of different emulsions.
Polym. Chem., 2024, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4PY00656A
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UV-light crosslinked photocatalytic polymer gels for batch and continuous flow reactions
This article describes the synthesis and characterization of a UV-crosslinked Eosin Y-photocatalytic gel and studies its performance in the oxidation of thioanisole in batch and flow reactors.
Polym. Chem., 2024,15, 2634-2641
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4PY00313F
A proof-of-concept study on a fully biobased and degradable polymer network based on vanillin and myrcene
A vanillin monomer featuring a carbonate linkage in its center was synthesized and used to prepare degradable biobased polymer networks.
Polym. Chem., 2024,15, 2240-2252
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4PY00269E
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Vanillin-based dual dynamic epoxy building block: a promising accelerator for disulfide vitrimers
A dual-dynamic bio-based epoxy building block (DDBB) with both imine and disulfide bonds synthesized from cystamine and vanillin showed accelerated dynamic exchanges in disulfide vitrimer formulations.
Polym. Chem., 2024,15, 1347-1357
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4PY00038B
Polymerization-induced self-assembly of (2-(4-vinylbenzyl)iso-indoline-1,3-dione) for the synthesis of hydrazine responsive block copolymer nanoparticles
Hydrazine-responsive block copolymer nanoparticles with a phthalimide core are synthesized via reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT)-mediated dispersion polymerization-induced self-assembly.
Polym. Chem., 2024,15, 1043-1051
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4PY00073K
Lewis acid-induced homo- and heterogeneous nickel catalysts for ethylene polymerization and copolymerization with polar monomers
By introducing soluble and supported Lewis acids, homogeneous and heterogeneous nickel-catalyzed ethylene (co)polymerization was designed and studied.
Polym. Chem., 2024,15, 631-638
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3PY01266B
π-Face strapped monomers enable self-stabilized hyperbranched π-conjugated polymer particles
Cycloalkyl-strapped repeat units hinder inter-chain interactions and guide the imine condensation polymerization of A2 + B3 monomers into solution-dispersible and processable π-conjugated hyperbranched polymers instead of an insoluble network.
Polym. Chem., 2024,15, 422-430
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3PY01158E
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Strands vs. crosslinks: topology-dependent degradation and regelation of polyacrylate networks synthesised by RAFT polymerisation
The influence of the cleavable bond location on degradation and reformation of poly(n-butyl acrylate) networks synthesised by RAFT polymerisation was investigated and revealed that cleavable backbones lead to more efficient network reversibility.
Polym. Chem., 2023,14, 5166-5177
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3PY01008B
Multi-responsive nanogels with tunable orthogonal reversible covalent (TORC) core-crosslinks for AND-gate controlled release
Installation of TORC core-crosslinks in polymer nanogels is accomplished in a single pot using photo-controlled atom transfer radical polymerization-induced self-assembly (PhotoATR-PISA) resulting in nanogels with AND-gate cargo release behavior.
Polym. Chem., 2023,14, 4957-4969
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3PY00922J
Bulk depolymerization of graft polymers based on trans-cyclobutane-fused cyclooctene
Graft polymers with various sidechain lengths and grafting densities are prepared using trans-cyclobutane-fused cyclooctene macromonomers; the solvent-free depolymerization of these graft polymers in the presence of a ruthenium catalyst is studied.
Polym. Chem., 2023,14, 4927-4932
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3PY00812F
Vat 3D printing of full-alginate hydrogels via thiol–ene reactions towards tissue engineering applications
Different synthetic strategies are explored to functionalize alginate with thiol and alkene groups. In this way an innovative full-alginate ink for digital light processing printers, based on the more biocompatible thiol–ene chemistry, is proposed.
Polym. Chem., 2023,14, 4856-4868
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3PY00902E
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Ring-opening terpolymerisation of phthalic thioanhydride with carbon dioxide and epoxides
The ring-opening terpolymerisation of phthalic thioanhydride with CO2 and epoxides leads to the formal incorporation of (photo)chemically labile thioester breaking points into the parent poly(ester-carbonate) backbone.
Polym. Chem., 2023,14, 4848-4855
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3PY01022H
Polymer grafting on nitrone functionalized green silica via “grafting from” and “grafting to” approaches through enhanced spin capturing polymerization and a 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction
Unlocking surface nitrones on green silica for innovative polymer grafting: Exploring "grafting from" and “grafting to” via enhanced spin capturing polymerization (ESCP) and 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition.
Polym. Chem., 2023,14, 4547-4559
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3PY00712J
Synthesis and characterization of a ruthenium-containing copolymer for use as a photoredox catalyst
We present a [Ru(bpy)2(dmbpy)]2+- and pyrene-based photocatalytic PMMA that enables photoredox-energy transfer to achieve the C–H arylation of electron deficient aryl bromides.
Polym. Chem., 2023,14, 4560-4568
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3PY00428G
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Water soluble non-conjugated fluorescent polymers: aggregation induced emission, solid-state fluorescence, and sensor array applications
In this work, two water soluble fluorescent non-conjugated polymers have been designed and synthesized.
Polym. Chem., 2023,14, 3309-3316
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3PY00357D
Facile access to diverse polyethylenes via neutral salicylaldiminato nickel catalysts
A new family of neutral salicylaldiminato nickel(II) catalysts enables ethylene polymerization to produce diverse polyethylene materials including polyethylene plastic, elastomer, wax and oil.
Polym. Chem., 2023,14, 3196-3202
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3PY00450C
Mechanochemical reactivity of a multimodal 2H-bis-naphthopyran mechanophore
A 2H-bis-napthopyran (2H-BNP) mechanophore generates an unusually stable bis-merocyanine product upon mechanical activation.
Polym. Chem., 2023,14, 2717-2723
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3PY00344B
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Installation of the adamantyl group in polystyrene-block-poly(methyl methacrylate) via Friedel–Crafts alkylation to modulate the microphase-separated morphology and dimensions
We present the polystyrene block post-polymerization modification of PS-b-PMMA through Friedel–Crafts alkylation with adamantanols to modulate its microphase-separated morphology and dimensions.
Polym. Chem., 2023,14, 2675-2684
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3PY00113J
Ethylene polymerization using heterogeneous multinuclear nickel catalysts supported by a crosslinked alpha diimine ligand network
A crosslinked alpha diimine ligand supporting a nickel metal center polymerizes ethylene to produce polyethylene with controlled microstructures, high activities, and can be removed from the product.
Polym. Chem., 2023,14, 1983-1990
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3PY00118K
An N-oxide containing conjugated semiconducting polymer with enhanced electron mobility via direct (hetero)arylation polymerization
The N-oxide containing conjugated semiconducting polymer is synthesized by direct (hetero)arylation polymerization and exhibit enhanced electron mobility compared to its non-oxide analogous polymer.
Polym. Chem., 2023,14, 1945-1953
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3PY00207A
Photochemically driven one-step triple dynamic network formation in printable tough hydrogel for self-healing tubular sensors
Self-healing hydrogels have attracted widespread attention due to their excellent biocompatibility, mechanical properties, and reparability.
Polym. Chem., 2023,14, 1536-1542
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3PY00093A
Process intensified synthesis of luminescent poly(9,9-dioctylfluorene-alt-benzothiadiazole) and polyvinyl alcohol based shape memory polymeric nanocomposite sensors toward cold chain logistics information monitoring
Luminescent shape memory polymeric nanocomposite sensors prepared using poly(9,9-dioctylfluorene-alt-benzothiadiazole) and polyvinyl alcohol for cold chain logistics information monitoring.
Polym. Chem., 2023,14, 1275-1281
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2PY01588A
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Colorimetric 3D printable base-detectors exploiting halocromic core-substituted naphthalenediimides
Naphthalenediimide dye was used to fabricate polymeric 3D printed colorimetric sensors for bases, to detect aqueous, vapor and organic phases.
Polym. Chem., 2023,14, 1213-1223
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2PY01593E
Low birefringence and low dispersion aliphatic thermosets with a high and tunable refractive index
A high-index thermoset was prepared under thiol-free conditions where the refractive index can be controlled over the range of 1.70–1.75.
Polym. Chem., 2023,14, 1117-1123
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2PY01327D
Transparent, anti-freezing and highly stretchable solid-state ionic conductors
Solid-state stretchable ionic conductors with enhanced mechanical strength and toughness without compromising the ionic conductivity were fabricated by seamlessly incorporating layered double hydroxide nanosheets into a poly(ionic liquid) matrix.
Polym. Chem., 2023,14, 608-615
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2PY01448C
Net anionic poly(β-amino ester)s: synthesis, pH-dependent behavior, and complexation with cationic cargo
Traditionally-cationic poly(β-amino ester)s with two anionic sulfonate groups per tertiary amine display non-monotonic solution behavior as a function of pH.
Polym. Chem., 2023,14, 421-431
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2PY01319C
Achieving high elasticity of trans-1,4-polyisoprene with a combination of radiation crosslinking and thiol–ene grafting
A two-step method to modify trans-1,4-polyisoprene (TPI): first, TPI is crosslinked by γ-ray; then, the crosslinked TPI is grafted with n-dodecanethiol by thiol–ene click chemistry. The modified TPI shows high elasticity.
Polym. Chem., 2023,14, 81-91
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2PY01218A
Enhancing intrinsic thermal conductivities of epoxy resins by introducing biphenyl mesogen-containing liquid crystalline co-curing agents
Epoxy resins were prepared with an enhanced intrinsic thermal conductivity of 0.42 W (m K)−1 using a biphenyl mesogen-containing co-curing agent.
Polym. Chem., 2022,13, 6046-6053
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2PY01157C
pH-Responsive, two-in-one doxorubicin and Bcl-2 siRNA-loaded micelleplexes for triple-negative breast cancer therapy
Triblock copolymer, PEG-b-PDMAEMA-b-PDPA, simultaneously encapsulated doxorubicin and Bcl-2 siRNA for delivery to cancer cells, thus achieving combination chemotherapy and gene therapy.
Polym. Chem., 2022,13, 5568-5578
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2PY00246A
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The effect of surface-active statistical copolymers in low-energy miniemulsion and RAFT polymerization
Study of the composition, lenght and chemical structure of surface-active statistical copolymers in low-energy miniemulsions.
Polym. Chem., 2022,13, 5135-5144
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2PY00468B
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Redox-triggerable firefly luciferin-bioinspired hydrogels as injectable and cell-encapsulating matrices
A novel redox-triggered bioinspired hydrogel platform that offers high control over gelation onset and kinetics is presented. This platform is suitable for the development of injectable matrices.
Polym. Chem., 2022,13, 5116-5126
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2PY00481J
Polar additive triggered chain walking copolymerization of ethylene and fundamental polar monomers
The use of a polar additive efficiently triggers chain walking copolymerization of ethylene with a broad scope of fundamental polar monomers, which is long-sought in an α-diimine Pd(II) system.
Polym. Chem., 2022,13, 4966-4972
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2PY00934J
Versatile, stable, and air-tolerant triplet–triplet annihilation upconversion block copolymer micelles
A versatile, stable, and highly air-tolerant triplet–triplet annihilation up-conversion system based on block copolymer micelles was designed and fabricated.
Polym. Chem., 2022,13, 4887-4894
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2PY00596D
Synthesis and characterization of polysulfides formed by the inverse vulcanisation of cyclosiloxanes with sulfur
Polysulfides cross-linked with cyclosiloxanes were synthesized, characterized and tested as solvent sorbents.
Polym. Chem., 2022,13, 4717-4726
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2PY00581F
Comprehensive studies of continuous flow reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer copolymerization and its application for photoimaging materials
Thorough studies of RAFT copolymerization in a continuous flow to gain deeper insights into kinetics, reactivity, and applicability were conducted with monomers and solvents utilizable for chemically amplified resist systems.
Polym. Chem., 2022,13, 4535-4546
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2PY00542E
Fully biobased triblock copolymers generated using an unconventional oscillatory plug flow reactor
Producing block polymers in continuous flow offers significant advantages in terms of versatility, efficiency and scalability.
Polym. Chem., 2022,13, 4406-4415
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2PY00600F
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Crosslinked p(MMA) particles by RAFT emulsion polymerisation: tuning size and stability
The size and stability of p(PEG)-b-p(MMA) block copolymer particles is tuned. Robust particles between 33–176 nm are formed and the use of a PEG methacrylate monomer with a methyl ether end group results in the most well defined and stable particles.
Polym. Chem., 2022,13, 4124-4135
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2PY00337F
Donor modification of thermally activated delayed fluorescence photosensitizers for organocatalyzed atom transfer radical polymerization
TADF donor-acceptor conjugates were applied as photosensitizers for organocatalyzed organic atom transfer radical polymerization. A donor-modification strategy was found to dramatically improve the control over the polymerization.
Polym. Chem., 2022,13, 3892-3903
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2PY00470D
Perfluorocyclobutyl-containing transparent polyimides with low dielectric constant and low dielectric loss
The combination of loose chain packing and high fluoro content endows PFCB-containing polyimides with excellent optical transparency and dielectric properties.
Polym. Chem., 2022,13, 3949-3955
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2PY00550F
Selective ring-opening polymerization of glycidyl esters: a versatile synthetic platform for glycerol-based (co)polyethers
Well-defined (isotactic) linear polyglycerols and glycerol-based copolyethers are obtained by controlled and chemoselective ring-opening (co)polymerizations of glycidyl butyrates.
Polym. Chem., 2022,13, 3650-3659
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2PY00551D
Organocatalytic cationic degenerate chain transfer polymerization of vinyl ethers with excellent temporal control
A photo-controlled cationic degenerate chain transfer polymerization of vinyl ethers has been developed by using a bisphosphonium organophotocatalyst.
Polym. Chem., 2022,13, 2776-2781
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2PY00134A
Design rules for performing water-sensitive ring-opening polymerizations in an aqueous dispersion
The droplet viscosity, surface tension, and hydrophobicity is tuned to explore the parameters that enable successful ring-opening polymerization in an aqueous dispersion.
Polym. Chem., 2022,13, 2459-2468
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2PY00069E
Stereochemistry and stoichiometry in aliphatic polyester photopolymers for 3D printing tailored biomaterial scaffolds
Stereoselective aliphatic polyester biomaterials were synthesized through ring opening copolymerization using a tin catalyst, which could then be crosslinked using thiol–ene or free radical methods to tailor physical properties.
Polym. Chem., 2022,13, 2048-2056
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1PY01405F
Chromium complexes supported by NNO-tridentate ligands: an unprecedented activity with the requirement of a small amount of MAO
Chromium complexes bearing phenoxy-imine-amine NNO-tridentate ligands are superior toward ethylene polymerization, exhibiting unprecedented activity and excellent thermal stability but requiring a small amount of MAO as a cocatalyst.
Polym. Chem., 2022,13, 1852-1860
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2PY00125J
Aldehyde end-capped CO2-based polycarbonates: a green synthetic platform for site-specific functionalization
Aldehyde end-capped CO2-based polycarbonates were prepared to serve as a green platform for the construction of diverse functional polymers.
Polym. Chem., 2022,13, 1731-1738
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2PY00129B
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Autonomous polymer synthesis delivered by multi-objective closed-loop optimisation
An artificially intelligent flow-reactor platform equipped with online NMR and GPC enables autonomous polymerisation optimisation utilising a machine learning algorithm to map the trade-off between monomer conversion and dispersity.
Polym. Chem., 2022,13, 1576-1585
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2PY00040G
The difference between photo-iniferter and conventional RAFT polymerization: high livingness enables the straightforward synthesis of multiblock copolymers
The impact of reversible deactivation in photo-inifierter RAFT polymerization on control and livingness of the process is investigated. The findings are used to create multiblock copolymers with high molecular weight and efficient chain extension.
Polym. Chem., 2022,13, 1537-1546
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1PY01530C
Room-temperature Barbier single-atom polymerization induced emission as a versatile approach for the utilization of monofunctional carboxylic acid resources
Barbier polymerization is realized at room-temperature with single-atom polymerization and polymerization-induced emission characteristics, which exhibits capability on sensitive explosive detection and artificial light-harvesting system fabrication.
Polym. Chem., 2022,13, 592-599
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1PY01493E
Facile synthesis of polypeptoids bearing bulky sidechains via urea accelerated ring-opening polymerization of α-amino acid N-substituted N-carboxyanhydrides
The organocatalyst 1,3-bis[3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]urea (U–O) accelerates the ring-opening polymerization of α-amino acid N-substituted N-carboxyanhydrides (NNCAs) for the rapid synthesis of polypeptoids bearing bulky sidechains.
Polym. Chem., 2022,13, 420-426
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1PY01324F