A visible-light responsive zirconium metal–organic framework for living photopolymerization of methacrylates. Issue 71 (12th July 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Xing, Hongzhu; Chen, Dashu; Li, Xingyu; Liu, Yue; Wang, Chungang; Su, Zhongmin
• Is Part Of: RSC advances. Volume 6:Issue 71(2016)
• Page Start: 66444
• Page End: 66450
• Publication Date: 2016-07-12
• Subjects: Chemistry -- Periodicals; 540.5
• DOI: 10.1039/c6ra12134a
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2046-2069

Abstract

Abstract : Visible-light-induced living radical polymerization of methacrylates by using robust zirconium metal–organic frameworks. Abstract : Visible-light-induced controlled/living radical polymerization (C/LRP) mediated by photoactive zirconium metal–organic framework (Zr–MOF) NNU-28 has been explored. The photopolymerization is carried out at room temperature under 520 nm monochromatic light. The results show that anthracene-based NNU-28 is a promising heterogeneous sensitizer to initiate the photopolymerization where the robust Zr–MOF exhibits enhanced visible light absorption and characteristics of photoinduced charge generation. The NNU-28 mediated CRP relies on the in situ photoreduction of a Cu(ii ) complex deactivator to Cu(i ) complex activator through an electron transfer process. The photopolymerization of methacrylates shows typical characteristics of controlled radical polymerization, where the as-prepared polymers have controlled molecular weights, narrow molecular weight distribution and high retention of chain-end groups. Besides, the NNU-28 mediated photopolymerization can be temporally and spatially controlled by light. The visible-light-induced polymerization investigated here suggests the promising application of photoactive MOFs for well-designed polymer synthesis.