Custom sequences for polymers using visible light
Researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University used a light-sensitive iridium-palladium catalyst to make “sequential” polymers, using visible light to change how building blocks are combined into polymer chains. By simply switching the light on or off, they were able to realize different compositions along the polymer chain, allowing precise control over physical properties and material function. This may drastically simplify existing polymer production methods, and help overcome fundamental limits in creating new polymers.
The world is full of long, chain-like molecules known as polymers. Famous examples of “sequential” copolymers, i.e. polymers made of multiple building blocks (or “monomers”) arranged in a specific order, include DNA, RNA and proteins; their specific structure imparts the vast range of molecular functionality that underpins biological activity. However, making sequential polymers from scratch is a tricky business. We can design special monomers that assemble in different ways, but the complex syntheses that are required limit their availability, scope and functionality.
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