Dual‐Responsive Photocatalytic Polymer Nanogels. Issue 31 (1st July 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ferguson, Calum T. J.; Huber, Niklas; Landfester, Katharina; Zhang, Kai A. I.
• Is Part Of: Angewandte Chemie international edition. Volume 58:Issue 31(2019)
• Page Start: 10567
• Page End: 10571
• Publication Date: 2019-07-01
• Subjects: gels -- heterogeneous catalysis -- nanomaterials -- photocatalysis -- polymers; Chemistry -- Periodicals; 540
• DOI: 10.1002/anie.201903309
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1433-7851

Abstract

Abstract: Selective activation of photocatalysts under constant light conditions has recently been targeted to produce multi‐responsive systems. However, controlled activation, with easy recovery of the photocatalysts, induced by external stimuli remains a major challenge. Mimicking the responsiveness of biological systems to multiple triggers can offer a promising solution. Herein, we report dual‐responsive polymer photocatalysts in the form of nanogels consisting of a cross‐linked poly‐ N ‐isopropylacrylamide nanogel, copolymerised with a photocatalytically active monomer. The dual‐responsive polymer nanogels undergo a stark decrease in diameter with increasing temperature, which shields the photocatalytic sites, decreasing the activity. Temperature‐dependent photocatalytic formation of NAD+ in water demonstrates the ability to switch photocatalysis on and off. Moreover, the photocatalysed syntheses of several fine chemicals were carried out to demonstrate the utility of the designed material. Abstract : Responsive photocatalytic polymers : The inclusion of photocatalytic sites in a temperature‐responsive polymer nanogel network created a dual‐responsive polymer photocatalyst that can be utilised to selectively catalyse numerous reactions at specific temperatures.