Heterogeneous photocatalytic reversible deactivation radical polymerization

Abstract

Photocatalytic reversible deactivation radical polymerization (RDRP) permits the use of sustainable solar light for spatiotemporal regulation of radical polymerization under mild conditions. Photocatalysts play a vital role in light absorption, electron/energy transfer, and maintenance of activation/deactivation equilibrium of a specific RDRP process. Recent years have witnessed increasing employment of heterogeneous photocatalysts in RDRP. Heterogeneous photocatalysts may offer additional benefits such as facile preparation, tunable photoelectronic properties, and potential for catalyst recyclization. This review highlights recent advances in photocatalytic RDRP using a diverse range of heterogeneous photocatalysts, including metal semiconductors, metal organic frameworks, carbon-based materials, nanocomposites, and self-assemblies. Remaining challenges and future direction of this field are also briefly discussed.