mz9b00783_si_001.pdf (1010.91 kB)
Liquid Metal Nanoparticles as Initiators for Radical Polymerization of Vinyl Monomers
journal contribution
posted on 2019-11-01, 11:34 authored by Jinwoo Ma, Yiliang Lin, Yong-Woo Kim, Yeongun Ko, Jongbeom Kim, Kyu Hwan Oh, Jeong-Yun Sun, Christopher B. Gorman, Maxim A. Voinov, Alex I. Smirnov, Jan Genzer, Michael D. DickeySonication of gallium or gallium-based
liquid metals in an aqueous
solution of vinyl monomers leads to rapid free radical polymerization
(FRP), without the need for conventional molecular initiators. Under
ambient conditions, a passivating native oxide separates these metals
from solution and renders the metal effectively inert. However, sonication
generates liquid metal nanoparticles (LMNPs) of ∼100 nm diameter
and thereby increases the surface area of the metal. The exposed metal
initiates polymerization, which proceeds via a FRP mechanism and yields
high molecular weight polymers that can form physical gels. Spin trapping
EPR reveals the generation of free radicals. Time-of-flight secondary
ion mass spectrometry measurements confirm direct polymer bonding
to gallium, verifying the formation of surface-anchored polymer grafts.
The grafted polymers can modify the interfacial properties, that is,
the preference of the metal particles to disperse in aqueous versus
organic phases. The polymer can also be degrafted and isolated from
the particles using strong acid or base. The concept of physically
disrupting passivated metal surfaces offers new routes for surface-initiated
polymerization and has implications for surface modification, reduction
reactions, and fabrication of mechanically responsive materials.
History
Usage metrics
Categories
Keywords
EPRsurface areaweight polymersVinyl Monomers SonicationLiquid Metal NanoparticlesRadical Polymerizationion mass spectrometry measurementsmetal particlessurface-anchored polymer graftsreduction reactionspassivated metal surfacesLMNPmetal nanoparticlessurface-initiated polymerizationambient conditionsvinyl monomerssurface modificationFRP mechanism
Licence
Exports
RefWorks
BibTeX
Ref. manager
Endnote
DataCite
NLM
DC