Continuous-flow self-supported seATRP using a sonicated microreactor

A recently reported “plug‐n‐play” approach to simplified electrochemical atom transfer radical polymerization (seATRP) is investigated using machine learning. It is shown that Bayesian optimization via an active learning (AL) algorithm accelerates optimization of the polymerization of oligo(ethylene glycol methyl ether acrylate)480 (OEGA480) in water. Molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn; dispersity; Ɖm) is the output selected for optimization targeting poly(oligo[ethylene glycol methyl ether acrylate]) (POEGA480) with low dispersity (Ɖm < 1.30). Input variables included applied potential (Eapp), [M] and [M]/[I], which led to a potential space of 275 possible reaction conditions. From a training data set of seven reactions, selected to yield uncontrolled POEGA480 with higher dispersities (Ɖm > 1.5), ten iteration loops are performed. During each iteration the algorithm suggests the next reaction conditions. The reactions are then performed and the conversion, number average molecular weight (Mn) and Ɖm values are recorded and the Ɖm values fed back into the algorithm. Overall, 80% of the experiments yield POEGA with Ɖm < 1.30. Conversely, only 30% of experiments performed using reaction conditions selected at random from the possible reaction space yield POEGA with Ɖm < 1.30. This study suggests that adopting AL methods can improve the efficiency of optimizing a given seATRP reaction.

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“…That said, there are possibilities to improve the feasibility of uptake by industry, e.g., through the development of flow technologies. [ 47 ]…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Active Learning as a Tool for Optimizing “Plug‐n‐Play” Electrochemical Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization

Zhao

Cheng

Gao

et al. 2023

Macro Chemistry & Physics

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“…Besides, oxygen-tolerant ATRP could significantly benefit from the development of novel chemical cocatalysts that can simultaneously function as an oxygen scavenger, which will significantly improve the practicability of the polymerization method. The development of these robust ATRP methods has also benefited various other fields, including flow chemistry, [139] sustainable chemistry, [140] as well as advanced additive manufacturing including 3D printing. [141] Photomediated RDRP methods have received much attention in the past decade.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Cu‐Catalyzed Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization: The Effect of Cocatalysts

Sun

Szczepaniak

Dadashi‐Silab

et al. 2022

Macro Chemistry & Physics

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Atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) is one of the most powerful methods to prepare well-defined (co)polymers. Cu-catalyzed ATRP methods are most commonly used because of the excellent control and tunable catalytic activities via ligand functionalization. This minireview summarizes the development of Cu-catalyzed ATRP in the presence of cocatalysts, which are used to regenerate Cu I complex activators during polymerizations. Fundamentals of Cu-based ATRP catalysts are first introduced, followed by the discussion of different types of cocatalysts in different Cu-catalyzed ATRP methods. Recent developments of photochemical cocatalysts for oxygen-tolerant ATRP and ATRP using long-wavelength irradiation are highlighted, which significantly expand the applications of Cu-catalyzed ATRP. Methods to study the properties of cocatalysts and their roles in Cu-catalyzed ATRP are discussed, with an outlook for the future development of cocatalysts.

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“…High conversions (> 90%) were achieved when targeting a To this end Kuhn and Junkers have reported the first continuous-flow self-supporting seATRP reaction using a sonicated microtubular reactor (Figure 10). 135 The use of acoustic streaming, achieved through sonication of the reactor, is beneficial for the handling of viscous mixtures which can be problematic in flow chemistry. Thus, the polymerization of acrylate monomers was fast reaching ~80% conversion within 27 minutes at ambient temperatures.…”

Section: Polymer Chemistry Accepted Manuscriptmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…10). 135 The use of acoustic streaming, achieved through sonication of the reactor, is beneficial for the handling of viscous mixtures which can be problematic in flow chemistry. Thus, the polymerization of acrylate monomers was fast reaching ∼80% conversion within 27 minutes at ambient temperatures.…”

Section: Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

Recent progress and applications enabled via electrochemically triggered and controlled chain-growth polymerizations

Zhao

Wilson

2023

Polym. Chem.

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Continuous-flow self-supported seATRP using a sonicated microreactor

Abstract: Continuous-flow simplified electrochemically mediated atom transfer radical polymerization (seATRP) was achieved for the first time without supporting electrolytes (self-supported) using a novel sonicated tubular microreactor. Polymerizations of different acrylic monomers...

Cited by 11 publications

References 24 publications

Active Learning as a Tool for Optimizing “Plug‐n‐Play” Electrochemical Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization

Active Learning as a Tool for Optimizing “Plug‐n‐Play” Electrochemical Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization

Cu‐Catalyzed Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization: The Effect of Cocatalysts

Recent progress and applications enabled via electrochemically triggered and controlled chain-growth polymerizations

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