Alternating copolymerization of ethylenesulfonyl fluoride and styrene for the synthesis of SuFEx modifiable polymers
This work investigates the copolymerization of ethenesulfonyl fluoride (ESF) and styrene, demonstrating this method as a practical approach to access highly functionalised sulfonyl fluoride-containing polymers.
Water stable perovskite nanocrystals for highly efficient photoinduced RAFT dispersion polymerization
Water-stable perovskite nanocrystals enable efficient photoinduced RAFT dispersion polymerization, yielding various uniform polymeric nano/microparticles, which are inaccessible to conventional catalysts.
Paper
Ring-opening copolymerization of (dihydro)levoglucosenone-derived spiro-epoxides and cyclic anhydrides
Ring-opening copolymerization of (dihydro)levoglucosenone-derived spiro-epoxides and cyclic anhydrides was developed to afford novel polyesters with rigid spirocyclic backbones, tunable thermal properties, and chiral conformations.
A Crystalline Supramolecular Polymer Constructed by the Controlled Self-Assembly of Clamparene and Its Application in Photothermal Conversion
Stereospecific polymerization of donor–acceptor cyclopropanes with C(sp3)–H bonds as the dormant species
MgBr2/DBU/C(sp3)–H bonds enable controlled stereospecific ring-opening polymerization of enantiopure donor–acceptor cyclopropane monomers.
Paper
Defining alternating sequences in polyurethanes: sequence-controlled photo-degradation in step polymerization
In AA/BB-type step polymerization, the definition of a polymer sequence is inherently ambiguous. By introducing an AB-type monomer framework, alternating sequences become explicitly definable, giving rise to pronounced sequence–property relationship.
Synthesis of topologically controlled functional polyethylenes: combining C–H activation with copolymerization of ethylene and polar monomers using a scandium catalyst
By designing polar monomers with built-in C–H activation motifs (e.g., anisole or aniline derivatives), we prepare functionalized polyethylenes with programmable topologies (hyperbranched to linear, in-chain to end-functionalized structures).
Single-chain level decoding of the conformational distribution in bisphenol A polycarbonate
Individual PC chains exist in two discrete conformational populations in a ∼1 : 1 ratio—chains with cis content ≥90% and chains with trans content of 65 ± 5%—yielding an overall trans fraction of ∼30%.
Paper
Organo-catalyzed deamination of polystyrene sulfonamide for diverse post-polymerization modification of styrenic polymers
Post-polymerization modification of polystyrene generates sulfinate intermediates that enable modular diversification to a wide range of functional groups.
Paper
Pushing the limits of mechanoredox RAFT polymerization methods
Force in the milling jar extends the polymer coasters. Liquid-assisted grinding enables (top) the combination of normally incompatible parts that show self-assembly, and (bottom) the controlled growth of ultra-long tracks with thousands of segments.
Paper
A divergent synthetic route to functional copolymer libraries via modular polymers
Here, we developed a post-polymerization modification approach that enables tunable functionalization of activated-ester polymers to yield structurally consistent copolymers.
Paper
Property modulation of poly(vinyl alcohol)s via controlled incorporation of α-methyl groups using alkenylboron monomers
We synthesized partially α-methylated poly(vinyl alcohol)s (PVAs), which are difficult to obtain using conventional methods, through radical copolymerization of vinyl- and isopropenyl-type boron monomers followed by side-chain oxidation.
Facile preparation of polyester–polyglutamate diblock copolymers through regioselective polymerization of N-carboxyanhydride
Polyester–polyglutamate block copolymers are prepared through regioselective polymerization of N-carboxyanhydride without chain-end protection/deprotection steps.
About this collection
Polymer Chemistry is proud to present this series, showcasing work being conducted by Emerging Investigators. This collection gathers the very best work from polymer scientists in the early stages of their independent careers in recognition of their potential to influence future directions in the field.
This collection will be updated as new Emerging Investigator Series papers are published – so keep checking this page and watch the collection grow.
More details about the Emerging Investigator Series can be found on the Polymer Chemistry blog, including details on how to apply for consideration and more information about the corresponding authors featured in this collection.