Ultrasound Promoted Step-Growth Polymerization and Polymer Crosslinking Via Copper Catalyzed Azide–Alkyne “Click” Reaction
Graphical Abstract
Mechano-Click polymerization: Mechanochemical polymerization using piezochemically driven copper catalyzed azide–alkyne “Click” reaction has been shown here. Ultrasonic activation of piezoelectric nanoparticles was used to generate a CuI catalyst to promote click polymerization and polymer crosslinking. Sonochemical polymerization will provide us with the tools to design polymeric materials that grow or become stronger with mechanical activation.
Abstract
Mechano-activated chemistry is a powerful tool for remodeling of synthetic polymeric materials, however, few reactions are currently available. Here we show that using piezochemical reduction of a CuII-based pre-catalyst, a step-growth polymerization occurs via the copper catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) reaction to form a linear polytriazole. Furthermore, we show that a linear polymer can be crosslinked mechanochemically using the same chemistry to form a solid organogel. We envision that this chemistry can be used to harness mechanical energy for constructive purposes in polymeric materials.
