AIE-Enabled In Situ and Real-Time Visualization of Polymer Growth during Interfacial Polymerization

Abstract

Interfacial polymerization is a prevalent approach for synthesizing high-performance materials. However, monitoring the polymer growth during this process has posed significant challenges. To overcome this, we have harnessed the aggregationinduced emission effect to enable in situ and real-time observation of the entire interfacial polymerization process. By employing a confocal laser scanning microscope, we have acquired clear images of the polymer and characterized the evolution of its structural heterogeneity, utilizing the environmental sensitivity of the fluorescent AIE moiety. Intriguingly, our study revealed that the polymer density is higher away from the interface, in contrast to the expected homogeneity. The changing ratio of the two monomers in the reaction region accounts for this density gradient. Additionally, we have demonstrated the precise growth kinetics of the polymer under various conditions. Our results provide a novel platform for elucidating the mechanisms and properties of interfacial polymerization.

Interfacial polymerization at unconventional interfaces: an emerging strategy to tailor thin-film composite membranes

“…When TAPE polymerizes with toluene di-isocyanate, the polymer exhibits bright fluorescence, making the real-time in situ visualization of the polymer growth possible. 52 The polymer density is found to be higher away from the interface, in contrast to the expected homogeneity.…”

Interfacial Polycondensation to Fabricate Polyurethane Microcapsules: Unraveling the Mechanism of Shell Formation and Achieving Desired Shell Thickness Based on Hansen Solubility Parameter Theory

“…While an increase in the concentration of reactive monomers in the oil phase can indeed lead to thicker microcapsule shells, it is crucial to note that this may accelerate the rate of interfacial polycondensation, resulting in denser shells. This densification can trigger an early onset of self-limitation, halting the growth of microcapsule shells and potentially leading to rugged surfaces. ,, In the presence of EAc, microcapsules of similar sizes but with increasing shell thickness can be obtained by increasing the concentration of IPDI monomers in the oil phase. At a low IPDI concentration in the oil phase (12.5 wt %), the microcapsule shell thickness remains thin, measuring well below 1 μm with a core/shell ratio of 10 (green triangle and the SEM image in Figure ).…”