Themed collection Pioneering Investigators 2023

29 items
Editorial

Introduction to Pioneering Investigators 2023

Professor Holger Frey and Professor Emily Pentzer introduce the 2023 Polymer Chemistry Pioneering Investigators collection.

Graphical abstract: Introduction to Pioneering Investigators 2023
From the themed collection: Pioneering Investigators 2023
Communication

Mechanically induced chemiluminescence of xanthene-modified 1,2-dioxetane in polymers

Xanthene-modified 1,2-dioxetane (Xa-Ad) derivatives were designed and synthesized using a facile protocol, and their mechanical activity was identified for the first time to the best of our knowledge.

Graphical abstract: Mechanically induced chemiluminescence of xanthene-modified 1,2-dioxetane in polymers
From the themed collection: Pioneering Investigators 2023
Open Access Communication

An electrochemical Hofmann rearrangement on acrylamide copolymers

Constant current electrolysis of acrylamide copolymers promotes a mild and efficient electrochemical Hofmann rearrangement transforming the primary amide side-chains into O-methyl carbamate side-chains in methanol.

Graphical abstract: An electrochemical Hofmann rearrangement on acrylamide copolymers
From the themed collection: Pioneering Investigators 2023
Communication

3D-printed ketoenamine crosslinked polyrotaxane hydrogels and their mechanochromic responsiveness

We report the synthesis and 3D printing of mechanically robust ketoenamine-crosslinked polyrotaxane hydrogels. These hydrogels are tagged with molecular probes to show fluorescent emission changes upon compression.

Graphical abstract: 3D-printed ketoenamine crosslinked polyrotaxane hydrogels and their mechanochromic responsiveness
From the themed collection: Pioneering Investigators 2023
Open Access Paper

Oxygen-tolerant, eosin Y mediated synthesis of protein–polymer biohybrids and protein-coated polymer nanoparticles

An oxygen tolerant, eosin Y/TEMED mediated, photoinduced polymerization approach was optimized to graft hydrophobic, hydrophilic, and responsive polymers from protein macroinitiators, avoiding conventional metal catalysts.

Graphical abstract: Oxygen-tolerant, eosin Y mediated synthesis of protein–polymer biohybrids and protein-coated polymer nanoparticles
From the themed collection: Pioneering Investigators 2023
Paper

Optimizing stability through conformational locking and ring fusion modulation in organic semiconductors

S,N-Heteroacene-type fused tetrathienophenanthroline monomer was synthesized via intramolecular cyclization, an alternative to the raditional benzodithiophene-4,8-dione units in high-performance photovoltaic materials.

Graphical abstract: Optimizing stability through conformational locking and ring fusion modulation in organic semiconductors
From the themed collection: Pioneering Investigators 2023
Open Access Paper

Exploiting controlled transesterification as a “top down” approach to tailor poly(ε-caprolactone)-poly(lactic acid) copolymer structures with bis-Zn catalysts

Mediated by a bis-Zn catalyst, poly(lactic acid)-block-poly(ε-caprolactone) diblock copolymers can be modified via controlled transesterification, leading to diverse copolymer structures.

Graphical abstract: Exploiting controlled transesterification as a “top down” approach to tailor poly(ε-caprolactone)-poly(lactic acid) copolymer structures with bis-Zn catalysts
From the themed collection: Pioneering Investigators 2023
Paper

A direct comparison between ring-opening copolymerization and polycondensation to produce polyesters using poly(ethylene succinate) as an example

A direct comparison between ROCOP and polycondensation to produce polyesters was made using PES, by evaluating the monomer preprocessing, polymerization technique, post-processing, and the properties of the produced polyesters.

Graphical abstract: A direct comparison between ring-opening copolymerization and polycondensation to produce polyesters using poly(ethylene succinate) as an example
From the themed collection: Pioneering Investigators 2023
Paper

From RAFT emulsion polymerization to RAFT dispersion polymerization: a facile approach to tuning dispersities and behaviors of self-assembled block copolymers

We have demonstrated the successful transition from photoinitiated RAFT emulsion polymerization to photoinitiated RAFT dispersion polymerization by solely changing the solvent composition from water to water/ethanol.

Graphical abstract: From RAFT emulsion polymerization to RAFT dispersion polymerization: a facile approach to tuning dispersities and behaviors of self-assembled block copolymers
From the themed collection: Pioneering Investigators 2023
Paper

Efficient all polymer active layers with long-range ordered 1D p–n nanoheterojunctions confirmed by TEM tomography

Using crystallization-driven polymer assemblies in non-halogenated solvents allows for precise control of the 3D morphology of the photoactive layer, thus improving the efficiency and stability of all-polymer solar cells.

Graphical abstract: Efficient all polymer active layers with long-range ordered 1D p–n nanoheterojunctions confirmed by TEM tomography
From the themed collection: Pioneering Investigators 2023
Paper

Photoredox Diels–Alder ladder polymerization

Ladder polymers with highly saturated backbones are prepared using a photoredox-catalyzed radical cation Diels–Alder polymerization.

Graphical abstract: Photoredox Diels–Alder ladder polymerization
From the themed collection: Polymer Chemistry Recent HOT Articles
Open Access Paper

Insight into the melt-processed polylimonene oxide/polylactic acid blends

The addition of a small amount of PLO to PLA by melt processing leads to a decrease in the PLA's Tg, Tm and degree of crystallinity as well as a remarkable increase in PLA films flexibility. The strong interactions between PLO and PLA is unveiled.

Graphical abstract: Insight into the melt-processed polylimonene oxide/polylactic acid blends
From the themed collection: Pioneering Investigators 2023
Paper

RAFT polymerization of an aromatic organoborane for block copolymer synthesis

We report the synthesis and characterization of PS-b-PVA block copolymers (BCPs) with tailorable PVA block lengths via RAFT polymerization of an aromatic organoborane comonomer BN 2-vinylnaphthalene (BN2VN).

Graphical abstract: RAFT polymerization of an aromatic organoborane for block copolymer synthesis
From the themed collection: Pioneering Investigators 2023
Open Access Paper

Thermoresponsive behaviour of poly(N,N-diethylacrylamide) in aqueous two-phase systems

The thermoresponsive behaviour of poly(N,N-diethylacrylamide) can be tuned when the polymer is placed in an aqueous-two phase system.

Graphical abstract: Thermoresponsive behaviour of poly(N,N-diethylacrylamide) in aqueous two-phase systems
From the themed collection: Pioneering Investigators 2023
Paper

Exploiting the network architecture of thiol–ene photo-crosslinked poly(ε-caprolactone) towards tailorable materials for light-based 3D-printing

Thiol–ene photo-crosslinked poly-ε-caprolactone networks, exhibiting varying network architectures, were employed to fine-tune physico-chemical characteristics, while simultaneously exploring their potential application in digital light processing.

Graphical abstract: Exploiting the network architecture of thiol–ene photo-crosslinked poly(ε-caprolactone) towards tailorable materials for light-based 3D-printing
From the themed collection: Pioneering Investigators 2023
Paper

Insights into the interaction between bis(aryloxide)alkylaluminum and N-heterocyclic carbene: from an abnormal Lewis adduct to a frustrated Lewis pair for efficient polymerizations of biomass-derived acrylic monomers

This contribution reports the development of a new and stable frustrated Lewis pair catalyst which is general for efficient/controlled polymerizations of inert biomass-derived acrylic monomers.

Graphical abstract: Insights into the interaction between bis(aryloxide)alkylaluminum and N-heterocyclic carbene: from an abnormal Lewis adduct to a frustrated Lewis pair for efficient polymerizations of biomass-derived acrylic monomers
From the themed collection: Pioneering Investigators 2023
Paper

Spatially resolved photoactivation of dynamic exchange reactions in 3D-printed thiol–ene vitrimers

On-demand photoactivation of dynamic transesterification in cross-linked thiol–ene polymers manufactured by digital light processing 3D printing.

Graphical abstract: Spatially resolved photoactivation of dynamic exchange reactions in 3D-printed thiol–ene vitrimers
From the themed collection: Pioneering Investigators 2023
Paper

Allyl sulfides in garlic oil initiate the formation of renewable adhesives

Garlic essential oil (GEO) was used as the monomer, solvent and initiator to form adhesives. Analysis of GEO and the resulting polysulfide properties improved our understanding of poly(GEO) providing a route to develop renewable, S-based materials.

Graphical abstract: Allyl sulfides in garlic oil initiate the formation of renewable adhesives
From the themed collection: Pioneering Investigators 2023
Open Access Paper

Push–pull coumarin-based one-component iodonium photoinitiators for cationic nanocomposite 3D-VAT printing

In this article, we described a new group of cationic photoinitiators.

Graphical abstract: Push–pull coumarin-based one-component iodonium photoinitiators for cationic nanocomposite 3D-VAT printing
Paper

Appropriate introduction of nitrile groups to balance NIR-II fluorescence imaging with photothermal therapy/photoacoustic imaging

Schematic illustration of nitrile-induced molecules enabling balance between NIR-II FLI and PTT/PAI.

Graphical abstract: Appropriate introduction of nitrile groups to balance NIR-II fluorescence imaging with photothermal therapy/photoacoustic imaging
From the themed collection: Pioneering Investigators 2023
Paper

Alkylborane initiated RAFT polymerization: impact of carboxylic acid deblockers

Oxygen-tolerant, alkylborane initiated RAFT has a partial order rate dependence of 1 for the acid concentration, supporting a homolytic substitution mechanism, and can be conducted with diminished deblocker concentrations when using stronger acids.

Graphical abstract: Alkylborane initiated RAFT polymerization: impact of carboxylic acid deblockers
From the themed collection: Pioneering Investigators 2023
Paper

Length-tuneable biocompatible block copolymer nanorods with a poly(2-methyl-2-oxazine)-corona via heat-induced crystallisation-driven self-assembly

Two new poly(2-isopropyl-2-oxazoline)-b-poly(2-methyl-2-oxazine) were prepared to investigate the relationship between total degree of polymerisation and heat-induced CDSA kinetics to prepare length-controlled biocompatible rod-shaped nanoparticles.

Graphical abstract: Length-tuneable biocompatible block copolymer nanorods with a poly(2-methyl-2-oxazine)-corona via heat-induced crystallisation-driven self-assembly
From the themed collection: Pioneering Investigators 2023
Paper

An artificial neural network to predict reactivity ratios in radical copolymerization

An artificial neural network model is described which is capable of predicting reactivity ratios in radical copolymerization solely based on monomer chemical structures. It outperforms classical approaches, enabling prediction without kinetic data.

Graphical abstract: An artificial neural network to predict reactivity ratios in radical copolymerization
From the themed collection: Pioneering Investigators 2023
Paper

Exploring SiliaCat Pd-DPP as a recyclable heterogeneous catalyst for the multi-batch direct heteroarylation polymerization for P(NDI2OD-T2)

Direct heteroarylation polymerization (DHAP) has been achieved for P(NDI2OD-T2) with a consistent molar mass using a modified A-B-A monomer and a recyclable heterogeneous SiliaCat Pd-DPP catalyst, for up to four consecutive reuses.

Graphical abstract: Exploring SiliaCat Pd-DPP as a recyclable heterogeneous catalyst for the multi-batch direct heteroarylation polymerization for P(NDI2OD-T2)
From the themed collection: Pioneering Investigators 2023
Paper

Through-space charge transfer delayed fluorescence in tris(triazolo)triazine donor–acceptor copolymers

Donor–acceptor materials containing tris(triazolo)triazine (TTT) acceptors have recently gained attention as green to deep-blue fluorophores exhibiting thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF).

Graphical abstract: Through-space charge transfer delayed fluorescence in tris(triazolo)triazine donor–acceptor copolymers
From the themed collection: Pioneering Investigators 2023
Paper

Solvent-free, photoinduced block copolymer synthesis from polymerizable eutectics by simultaneous PET-RAFT and ring-opening polymerization in air

We report the preparation of thermoresponsive block copolymers via the simultaneous RAFT polymerization and anionic ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of N-isopropylacylamide and ε-caprolactone respectively, in the absence of traditional solvents.

Graphical abstract: Solvent-free, photoinduced block copolymer synthesis from polymerizable eutectics by simultaneous PET-RAFT and ring-opening polymerization in air
From the themed collection: Pioneering Investigators 2023
Paper

Thermal annealing effects on the mechanical properties of bio-based 3D printed thermosets

3D printing technologies can address many sustainability aspects of creating new materials, such as reduced waste and on demand production, which reduces the carbon footprint of transport and storage.

Graphical abstract: Thermal annealing effects on the mechanical properties of bio-based 3D printed thermosets
From the themed collection: Pioneering Investigators 2023
Open Access Paper

Polymer brush-grafted cellulose nanocrystals for the synthesis of porous carbon-coated titania nanocomposites

Polymer brush-grafted cellulose nanocrystals can be used as rod-like nanoreactors to produce carbon-coated titania nanocomposites for battery anodes.

Graphical abstract: Polymer brush-grafted cellulose nanocrystals for the synthesis of porous carbon-coated titania nanocomposites
From the themed collection: Pioneering Investigators 2023
Paper

Synthesis of fluorescent poly(silyl indole)s via borane-catalyzed C–H silylation of indoles

A metal-free B(C6F5)3-catalyzed step-growth polymerization strategy is developed for the synthesis of fluorescent poly(silyl indole)s with novel polymeric frameworks through the regioselective dehydrogenation silylation of indoles.

Graphical abstract: Synthesis of fluorescent poly(silyl indole)s via borane-catalyzed C–H silylation of indoles
From the themed collection: Pioneering Investigators 2023
29 items

About this collection

Polymer Chemistry is proud to present this 2023 Pioneering Investigators collection. This collection highlights the great work being done by mid-career investigators who have firmly established themselves as pioneers of the field of polymer chemistry.  Following the success of the 2021 Pioneering Investigators series, the Editorial and Advisory Boards of Polymer Chemistry and our previous Pioneering Investigators have personally recommended researchers who continuously publish creative, innovative work and have enriched several research areas.

New articles will be added to this collection as they are published.

Congratulations to all those whose work is featured. Join us in celebrating their contributions!


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