(167u) Oxygen Tolerant Controlled Polymerization with Recyclable Micron-Scale Heterogeneous Photocatalysts

Employing heterogeneous catalytic systems for light-mediated controlled radical polymerization has gained considerable attention for its milder conditions towards a more sustainable application. Using visible light at ambient temperatures and pressures is a valuable and versatile synthetic method; however, the use of traditional photocatalysts can lead to product contamination, degradation, and increased waste. This presentation highlights the advantages of using heterogeneous photoredox catalysis. The efficiency of photocatalytic functionalized polymer brushes on micron-scale glass beads is examined through a light-mediated, oxygen tolerant controlled photoinduced electron/energy transfer - reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. The fluorescein polymer brushes remain tethered to the photoactive beads, allowing them to be reused for multiple cycles after simple filtration, providing ecological and economic benefits. This robust and user-friendly approach shows promise to advance the use of heterogeneous catalysts in photochemistry.