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Abstract Atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) has been successfully employed for the preparation of various advanced materials with controlled architecture. New catalysts with strongly enhanced activity permit more environmentally benign ATRP procedures using ppm levels of catalyst. Precise control over polymer composition, topology, and incorporation of site specific functionality enables synthesis of well‐defined gradient, block, comb copolymers, polymers with (hyper)branched structures including stars, densely grafted molecular brushes or networks, as well as inorganic–organic hybrid materials and bioconjugates. Examples of specific applications of functional materials include thermoplastic elastomers, nanostructured carbons, surfactants, dispersants, functionalized surfaces, and biorelated materials.
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Design Strategies for Structurally Controlled Polymer Surfaces via Cyclophane‐Based CVD Polymerization and Post‐CVD Fabrication
Abstract Molecular structuring of soft matter with precise arrangements over multiple hierarchical levels, especially on polymer surfaces, and enabling their post‐synthetic modulation has tremendous potential for application in molecular engineering and interfacial science. Here, recent research and developments in design strategies for structurally controlled polymer surfaces via cyclophane‐based chemical vapor deposition (CVD) polymerization with precise control over chemical functionalities and post‐CVD fabrication via orthogonal surface functionalization that facilitates the formation of designable biointerfaces are summarized. Particular discussion about innovative approaches for the templated synthesis of shape‐controlled CVD polymers, ranging from 1D to 3D architecture, including inside confined nanochannels, nanofibers/nanowires synthesis into an anisotropic media such as liquid crystals, and CVD polymer nanohelices via hierarchical chirality transfer across multiple length scales is provided. Aiming at multifunctional polymer surfaces via CVD copolymerization of multiple precursors, the structural and functional design of the fundamental [2.2]paracyclophane (PCP) precursor molecules, that is, functional CVD monomer chemistry is also described. Technologically advanced and innovative surface deposition techniques toward topological micro‐ and nanostructuring, including microcontact printing, photopatterning, photomask, and lithographic techniques such as dip‐pen nanolithography, showcasing research from the authors’ laboratories as well as other's relevant important findings in this evolving field are highlighted that have introduced new programmable CVD polymerization capabilities. Perspectives, current limitations, and future considerations are provided.
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- Award ID(s):
- 1916888
- PAR ID:
- 10371558
- Publisher / Repository:
- Wiley Blackwell (John Wiley & Sons)
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Advanced Materials
- Volume:
- 34
- Issue:
- 37
- ISSN:
- 0935-9648
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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