Silicon quantum dot (SQD)-catalyzed visible-light-induced ATRP and its application in controlled surface modification

Abstract

Due to the current serious global environmental concerns, polymers are required to be prepared under ecofriendly reaction conditions on the basis of green chemistry. From this point of view, an ecofriendly photocatalyst is required for photo-induced atom transfer radical polymerization (photoATRP). Here we introduced silicon quantum dots (SiQDs) in a visible light induced photoATRP system, as an efficient green photocatalyst. The SiQD-catalyzed photoATRP with blue light irradiation exhibited good control of polymerization under different conditions including different dosages of Cu(II)/L, polarities of the solvent and types of monomers. Moreover, SiQDs could be directly adsorbed on the surface of silica nanoparticles through electrostatic interaction to form the composite catalyst SiO₂@SiQDs, which was convenient for recycling. Furthermore, we also introduced γ-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (γ-MPS) onto the surface of SiO₂@SiQDs and achieved the controlled growth of the polymer shell through surface grafting photoATRP (SG-ATRP) on the silica surface. Considering the huge silica-based material market, SiQD- catalyzed photoATRP may have great potential for application in surface engineering.