Recent advances on visible light induced cationic polymerization

Abstract

Cationic polymerization is an important branch of polymer chemistry. Traditional cationic polymerization must be carried out in anhydrous and low temperature environment, with harsh operating conditions, high operating costs and high energy consumption. Visible light induced cationic polymerization is simple, environmentally friendly, and low‐cost, so it has become a research hotspot of living cationic polymerization. This paper gives an overview of the recent advances (mainly from 2015 to 2023) on visible‐light‐induced cationic polymerization, with a focus on visible‐light‐initiated and visible‐light‐controlled cationic polymerization. On the basis of controlling cationic polymerization to achieve macromolecular reaction engineering, the realization of temporal scale control will be the main development direction in the future.

Recent Developments on Cationic Polymerization of Vinyl Ethers

“…The Leibfarth group has also discussed the progress of stereoregular polymerization in their recent article . Feng and co-workers have summarized the latest advancements in visible-light-induced cationic polymerization . In a recent review article, Wu and co-workers highlighted the latest developments in the control of cationic polymerization, which included chemically recyclable/degradable polymers, stereoselective polymerization, and temporally controlled polymerization (using light or electricity) .…”

“… 37 Feng and co-workers have summarized the latest advancements in visible-light-induced cationic polymerization. 38 In a recent review article, Wu and co-workers highlighted the latest developments in the control of cationic polymerization, which included chemically recyclable/degradable polymers, stereoselective polymerization, and temporally controlled polymerization (using light or electricity). 39 This article offers a thorough analysis of the recent advancements in the cationic polymerization of vinyl ether monomers, encompassing their applications and potential future prospects.…”

Zinc-Mediated Living Cationic Polymerization

“…Consequently, polymerization can be conducted under ambient conditions. Additionally, Tao’s group has contributed to this field by introducing an anion binding strategy through precise control of the equilibrium between the dormant covalent precursor and active ionic species. , It is noteworthy that the emergence and development of cationic reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization also provides considerable potential for achieving controlled cationic polymerization under mild conditions, − particularly when employing light-controlled approaches. − …”