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Liu P, Jimaja S, Immel S, Thomas C, Mayer M, Weder C, Bruns N. Mechanically triggered on-demand degradation of polymers synthesized by radical polymerizations. Nat Chem 2024; 16:1184-1192. [PMID: 38609710 PMCID: PMC11230896 DOI: 10.1038/s41557-024-01508-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Polymers that degrade on demand have the potential to facilitate chemical recycling, reduce environmental pollution and are useful in implant immolation, drug delivery or as adhesives that debond on demand. However, polymers made by radical polymerization, which feature all carbon-bond backbones and constitute the most important class of polymers, have proven difficult to render degradable. Here we report cyclobutene-based monomers that can be co-polymerized with conventional monomers and impart the resulting polymers with mechanically triggered degradability. The cyclobutene residues act as mechanophores and can undergo a mechanically triggered ring-opening reaction, which causes a rearrangement that renders the polymer chains cleavable by hydrolysis under basic conditions. These cyclobutene-based monomers are broadly applicable in free radical and controlled radical polymerizations, introduce functional groups into the backbone of polymers and allow the mechanically gated degradation of high-molecular-weight materials or cross-linked polymer networks into low-molecular-weight species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Liu
- Adolphe Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland.
- Swiss National Center of Competence in Research Bio-Inspired Materials, Fribourg, Switzerland.
- Department of Materials, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.
| | - Sètuhn Jimaja
- Adolphe Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
- Swiss National Center of Competence in Research Bio-Inspired Materials, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Stefan Immel
- Department of Chemistry and Centre for Synthetic Biology, University of Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
| | | | - Michael Mayer
- Adolphe Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
- Swiss National Center of Competence in Research Bio-Inspired Materials, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Christoph Weder
- Adolphe Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
- Swiss National Center of Competence in Research Bio-Inspired Materials, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Nico Bruns
- Swiss National Center of Competence in Research Bio-Inspired Materials, Fribourg, Switzerland.
- Department of Chemistry and Centre for Synthetic Biology, University of Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany.
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK.
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2
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Prince E, Cheng HF, Banal JL, Johnson JA. Reversible Nucleic Acid Storage in Deconstructable Glassy Polymer Networks. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:17066-17074. [PMID: 38865160 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c01925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
The rapid decline in DNA sequencing costs has fueled the demand for nucleic acid collection to unravel genomic information, develop treatments for genetic diseases, and track emerging biological threats. Current approaches to maintaining these nucleic acid collections hinge on continuous electricity for maintaining low-temperature and intricate cold-chain logistics. Inspired by the millennia-long preservation of fossilized biological specimens in calcified minerals or glassy amber, we present Thermoset-REinforced Xeropreservation (T-REX): a method for storing DNA in deconstructable glassy polymer networks. Key to T-REX is the development of polyplexes for nucleic acid encapsulation, streamlining the transfer of DNA from aqueous to organic phases, replete with initiators, monomers, cross-linkers, and thionolactone-based cleavable comonomers required to form the polymer networks. This process successfully encapsulates DNA that spans different length scales, from tens of bases to gigabases, in a matter of hours compared to days with traditional silica-based encapsulation. Further, T-REX permits the extraction of DNA using comparatively benign reagents, unlike the hazardous hydrofluoric acid required for recovery from silica. T-REX provides a path toward low-cost, time-efficient, and long-term nucleic acid preservation for synthetic biology, genomics, and digital information storage, potentially overcoming traditional low-temperature storage challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Prince
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Ho Fung Cheng
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - James L Banal
- Cache DNA, Inc., 733 Industrial Road, San Carlos, California 94070, United States
| | - Jeremiah A Johnson
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
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3
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Zhang M, Choi W, Kim M, Choi J, Zang X, Ren Y, Chen H, Tsukruk V, Peng J, Liu Y, Kim DH, Lin Z. Recent Advances in Environmentally Friendly Dual-crosslinking Polymer Networks. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202318035. [PMID: 38586975 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202318035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Environmentally friendly crosslinked polymer networks feature degradable covalent or non-covalent bonds, with many of them manifesting dynamic characteristics. These attributes enable convenient degradation, facile reprocessibility, and self-healing capabilities. However, the inherent instability of these crosslinking bonds often compromises the mechanical properties of polymer networks, limiting their practical applications. In this context, environmentally friendly dual-crosslinking polymer networks (denoted EF-DCPNs) have emerged as promising alternatives to address this challenge. These materials effectively balance the need for high mechanical properties with the ability to degrade, recycle, and/or self-heal. Despite their promising potential, investigations into EF-DCPNs remain in their nascent stages, and several gaps and limitations persist. This Review provides a comprehensive overview of the synthesis, properties, and applications of recent progress in EF-DCPNs. Firstly, synthetic routes to a rich variety of EF-DCPNs possessing two distinct types of dynamic bonds (i.e., imine, disulfide, ester, hydrogen bond, coordination bond, and other bonds) are introduced. Subsequently, complex structure- and dynamic nature-dependent mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties of EF-DCPNs are discussed, followed by their exemplary applications in electronics and biotechnology. Finally, future research directions in this rapidly evolving field are outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingyue Zhang
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117585, Singapore
| | - Woosung Choi
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Minju Kim
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117585, Singapore
- Department of Chemistry and Nanoscience, Ewha Womans University, 52, Ewhayeodae-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03760, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinyoung Choi
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Xuerui Zang
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117585, Singapore
| | - Yujing Ren
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117585, Singapore
| | - Han Chen
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117585, Singapore
| | - Vladimir Tsukruk
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Juan Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Department of Macromolecular Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Yijiang Liu
- College of Chemistry, Key Lab of Environment-Friendly Chemistry and Application in Ministry of Education, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan, Hunan Province, 411105, China
| | - Dong Ha Kim
- Department of Chemistry and Nanoscience, Ewha Womans University, 52, Ewhayeodae-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03760, Republic of Korea
| | - Zhiqun Lin
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117585, Singapore
- Department of Chemistry and Nanoscience, Ewha Womans University, 52, Ewhayeodae-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03760, Republic of Korea
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4
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Lundberg DJ, Ko K, Kilgallon LJ, Johnson JA. Defining Reactivity-Deconstructability Relationships for Copolymerizations Involving Cleavable Comonomer Additives. ACS Macro Lett 2024; 13:521-527. [PMID: 38626454 DOI: 10.1021/acsmacrolett.4c00106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/18/2024]
Abstract
The incorporation of cleavable comonomers as additives into polymers can imbue traditional polymers with controlled deconstructability and expanded end-of-life options. The efficiency with which cleavable comonomer additives (CCAs) can enable deconstruction is sensitive to their local distribution within a copolymer backbone, which is dictated by their copolymerization behavior. While qualitative heuristics exist that describe deconstructability, comprehensive quantitative connections between CCA loadings, reactivity ratios, polymerization mechanisms, and deconstruction reactions on the deconstruction efficiency of copolymers containing CCAs have not been established. Here, we broadly define these relationships using stochastic simulations characterizing various polymerization mechanisms (e.g., coltrolled/living, free-radical, and reversible ring-opening polymerizations), reactivity ratio pairs (spanning 2 orders of magnitude between 0.01 and 100), CCA loadings (2.5% to 20%), and deconstruction reactions (e.g., comonomer sequence-dependent deconstruction behavior). We show general agreement between simulated and experimentally observed deconstruction fragment sizes from the literature, demonstrating the predictive power of the methods used herein. These results will guide the development of more efficient CCAs and inform the formulation of deconstructable materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Lundberg
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Kwangwook Ko
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Landon J Kilgallon
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Jeremiah A Johnson
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
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5
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Ko K, Lundberg DJ, Johnson AM, Johnson JA. Mechanism-Guided Discovery of Cleavable Comonomers for Backbone Deconstructable Poly(methyl methacrylate). J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:9142-9154. [PMID: 38526229 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c14554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
The development of cleavable comonomers (CCs) with suitable copolymerization reactivity paves the way for the introduction of backbone deconstructability into polymers. Recent advancements in thionolactone-based CCs, exemplified by dibenzo[c,e]-oxepine-5(7H)-thione (DOT), have opened promising avenues for the selective deconstruction of multiple classes of vinyl polymers, including polyacrylates, polyacrylamides, and polystyrenics. To date, however, no thionolactone CC has been shown to copolymerize with methacrylates to an appreciable extent to enable polymer deconstruction. Here, we overcome this challenge through the design of a new class of benzyl-functionalized thionolactones (bDOTs). Guided by detailed mechanistic analyses, we find that the introduction of radical-stabilizing substituents to bDOTs enables markedly increased and tunable copolymerization reactivity with methyl methacrylate (MMA). Through iterative optimizations of the molecular structure, a specific bDOT, F-p-CF3PhDOT, is discovered to copolymerize efficiently with MMA. High molar mass deconstructable PMMA-based copolymers (dPMMA, Mn > 120 kDa) with low percentages of F-p-CF3PhDOT (1.8 and 3.8 mol%) are prepared using industrially relevant bulk free radical copolymerization conditions. The thermomechanical properties of dPMMA are similar to PMMA; however, the former is shown to degrade into low molar mass fragments (<6.5 kDa) under mild aminolysis conditions. This work presents the first example of a radical ring-opening CC capable of nearly random copolymerization with MMA without the possibility of cross-linking and provides a workflow for the mechanism-guided design of deconstructable copolymers in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwangwook Ko
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - David J Lundberg
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Alayna M Johnson
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Jeremiah A Johnson
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
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6
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Zaman I, Turjya RR, Shakil MS, Al Shahariar M, Emu MRRH, Ahmed A, Hossain MM. Biodegradation of polyethylene and polystyrene by Zophobas atratus larvae from Bangladeshi source and isolation of two plastic-degrading gut bacteria. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 345:123446. [PMID: 38295931 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Plastic pollution has become a major environmental concern globally, and novel and eco-friendly approaches like bioremediation are essential to mitigate the impact. Low-density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), and expanded polystyrene (EPS) are three of the most frequently used plastic types. This study examined biodegradation of these using Zophobas atratus larvae, followed by isolation and whole genome sequencing of gut bacteria collected from larvae frass. Over 36 days, 24.04 % LDPE, 20.01 % EPS, and 15.12 % LLDPE were consumed on average by the larvae, with survival rates of 85 %, 90 %, and 87 %, respectively. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis of fresh plastic types, consumed plastics, and larvae frass showed proof of plastic oxidation in the gut. Frass bacteria were isolated and cultured in minimal salt media supplemented with plastics as the sole carbon source. Two isolates of bacteria were sampled from these cultures, designated PDB-1 and PDB-2. PDB-1 could survive on LDPE and LLDPE as carbon sources, whereas PDB-2 could survive on EPS. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) provided proof of degradation in both cases. Both isolates were identified as strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, followed by sequencing, assembly, and annotation of their genomes. LDPE- and LLDPE-degrading enzymes e.g., P450 monooxygenase, alkane monooxygenase, alcohol dehydrogenase, etc. were identified in PDB-1. Similarly, phenylacetaldehyde dehydrogenase and other enzymes involved in EPS degradation were identified in PDB-2. Genes of both isolates were compared with genomes of known plastic-degrading P. aeruginosa strains. Virulence factors, antibiotic-resistance genes, and rhamnolipid biosurfactant biosynthesis genes were also identified in both isolates. This study indicated Zophobas atratus larvae as potential LDPE, LLDPE, and EPS biodegradation agent. Additionally, the isolated strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa provide a more direct and eco-friendly solution for plastic degradation. Confirmation and modification of the plastic-degrading pathways in the bacteria may create scope for metabolic engineering in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ifthikhar Zaman
- Department of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, BRAC University, 66 Mohakhali, Dhaka, 1212, Bangladesh.
| | - Rafeed Rahman Turjya
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Dhaka, Ramna, Dhaka, 1000, Bangladesh.
| | - Md Salman Shakil
- Department of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, BRAC University, 66 Mohakhali, Dhaka, 1212, Bangladesh.
| | - Mahruf Al Shahariar
- Department of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, BRAC University, 66 Mohakhali, Dhaka, 1212, Bangladesh.
| | | | - Akash Ahmed
- Department of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, BRAC University, 66 Mohakhali, Dhaka, 1212, Bangladesh.
| | - M Mahboob Hossain
- Department of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, BRAC University, 66 Mohakhali, Dhaka, 1212, Bangladesh.
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7
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Hsu JH, Ball TE, Oh S, Stache EE, Fors BP. Selective Electrocatalytic Degradation of Ether-Containing Polymers. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202316578. [PMID: 38032347 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202316578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Leveraging electrochemistry to degrade robust polymeric materials has the potential to impact society's growing issue of plastic waste. Herein, we develop an electrocatalytic oxidative degradation of polyethers and poly(vinyl ethers) via electrochemically mediated hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) followed by oxidative polymer degradation promoted by molecular oxygen. We investigated the selectivity and efficiency of this method, finding our conditions to be highly selective for polymers with hydridic, electron-rich C-H bonds. We leveraged this reactivity to degrade polyethers and poly(vinyl ethers) in the presence of polymethacrylates and polyacrylates with complete selectivity. Furthermore, this method made polyacrylates degradable by incorporation of ether units into the polymer backbone. We quantified degradation products, identifying up to 36 mol % of defined oxidation products, including acetic acid, formic acid, and acetaldehyde, and we extended this method to degrade a polyether-based polyurethane in a green solvent. This work demonstrates a facile, electrochemically-driven route to degrade polymers containing ether functionalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse H Hsu
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
| | - Tyler E Ball
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
| | - Sewon Oh
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
| | - Erin E Stache
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Brett P Fors
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
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8
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Mineo AM, Katsumata R. A Versatile Comonomer Additive for Radically Recyclable Vinyl-derived Polymers. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202316248. [PMID: 38029360 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202316248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Radically-formed, vinyl-derived polymers account for over 30 % of polymer production. Connected through stable carbon-carbon bonds, these materials are notoriously challenging to chemically recycle. Herein, we report universal copolymerization of a cyclic allyl sulfide (CAS) additive with multiple monomers under free-radical conditions, to introduce main-chain dynamic motifs. Backbone allyl sulfides undergo post-polymerization radical rearrangement via addition-fragmentation-transfer (AFT) that fosters both chain scission and extension. Scission is selectively induced through allyl sulfide exchange with small molecule thiyl radicals, resulting in oligomers as low as 14 % of the initial molar mass. Crucially, oligomers retain allyl sulfide end groups, enabling their extension with monomer under radical conditions. Extended, i.e., recycled, product molar mass is tunable through the ratio of monomer to oligomer, and can surpass that of the initial copolymer. Two scission-extension cycles are demonstrated in copolymers with methyl methacrylate and styrene without escalation in dispersity. In illustration of forming higher-value products, i.e., upcycling, we synthesized block copolymers through the extension of oligomers with a different vinyl monomer. Collectively, our approach to chemical recycling is unparalleled in its ability to 1) function in a variety of vinyl-derived polymers, 2) complete radical closed-loop cycling, and 3) upcycle waste material.
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Affiliation(s)
- Autumn M Mineo
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Reika Katsumata
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
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9
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Kuroda K, Ouchi M. Umpolung Isomerization in Radical Copolymerization of Benzyl Vinyl Ether with Pentafluorophenylacrylate Leading to Degradable AAB Periodic Copolymers. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202316875. [PMID: 37971837 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202316875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
This study revealed that benzyl vinyl ether (BnVE) shows a peculiar isomerization propagation in its radical copolymerization with an electron-deficient acrylate carrying a pentafluorophenyl group (PFA). The co-monomer pair inherently exhibits the cross-over propagation feature due to the large difference in the electron density. However, the radical species of PFA was found to undergo a backward isomerization to the penultimate BnVE pendant giving a benzyl radical species prior to propagation with BnVE. The isomerization brings a drastic change in the character of the growing radical species from electrophilic to nucleophilic, and thus the isomerized benzyl radial species propagates with PFA. Consequently, the two monomers were consumed in the order AAB (A: PFA; B: BnVE) and the unique periodic consumption was confirmed by the pseudo-reactivity ratios calculated by the penultimate model: r11 =0.174 and r21 =6600 for PFA (M1 ) with BnVE (M2 ). The pentafluorophenyl ester groups of the resulting copolymers are transformed into ester and amide groups by post-polymerization alcoholysis and aminolysis modifications. The unique isomerization in the AAB sequence allowed the periodic introduction of a benzyl ether structure in the backbone leading to efficient degradation under acid conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keita Kuroda
- Department of Polymer Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto, 615-8510, Japan
| | - Makoto Ouchi
- Department of Polymer Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto, 615-8510, Japan
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10
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Luzel B, Gil N, Désirée P, Monot J, Bourissou D, Siri D, Gigmes D, Martin-Vaca B, Lefay C, Guillaneuf Y. Development of an Efficient Thionolactone for Radical Ring-Opening Polymerization by a Combined Theoretical/Experimental Approach. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:27437-27449. [PMID: 38059751 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c08610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
The environmental impact of plastic waste has been a real problem for the past decades. The incorporation of cleavable bonds in the polymer backbone is a solution to making a commodity polymer degradable. When radical polymerization is used, this approach is made possible by radical ring-opening polymerization (rROP) of a cyclic monomer that allows for the introduction of a weak bond into the polymer backbone. Among the various cyclic monomers that could be used in rROP, thionolactones are promising structures due to the efficiency of the C═S bond to act as a radical acceptor. Nevertheless, only a few structures were reported to be efficient. In this work, we used DFT calculations to gain a better understanding of the radical reactivity of thionolactones, and in particular, we focused on the transfer rate constant ktr value and its ratio with the propagation rate constant kp of the vinyl monomer. The closer to 1, the better is the statistical incorporation of the two comonomers into the backbone. These theoretical results were in good agreement with all of the experimental data reported in the literature. We thus used this approach to understand the key parameters to tune the reactivity of thionolactone to prepare random copolymers. We identified and prepared the 7-phenyloxepane-2-thione (POT) thionolactone that led to statistical copolymers with styrene and acrylate derivatives that were efficiently degraded under accelerated conditions (KOH in THF/MeOH, TBD in THF, or mCPBA in THF), confirming the theoretical approach. The compatibility with RAFT polymerization as well as the homopolymerization behavior of POT was established. This theoretical approach paves the way for the in-silico design of new efficient thionolactones for rROP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bastien Luzel
- Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, Institut de Chimie Radicalaire, UMR 7273, F-13397 Marseille, France
| | - Noémie Gil
- Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, Institut de Chimie Radicalaire, UMR 7273, F-13397 Marseille, France
| | - Patrick Désirée
- Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, Institut de Chimie Radicalaire, UMR 7273, F-13397 Marseille, France
| | - Julien Monot
- University of Toulouse UPS, Lab Heterochim Fondamentale & Appl UMR 5069, CNRS, 118 Route Narbonne, F-31062 Toulouse, France
| | - Didier Bourissou
- University of Toulouse UPS, Lab Heterochim Fondamentale & Appl UMR 5069, CNRS, 118 Route Narbonne, F-31062 Toulouse, France
| | - Didier Siri
- Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, Institut de Chimie Radicalaire, UMR 7273, F-13397 Marseille, France
| | - Didier Gigmes
- Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, Institut de Chimie Radicalaire, UMR 7273, F-13397 Marseille, France
| | - Blanca Martin-Vaca
- University of Toulouse UPS, Lab Heterochim Fondamentale & Appl UMR 5069, CNRS, 118 Route Narbonne, F-31062 Toulouse, France
| | - Catherine Lefay
- Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, Institut de Chimie Radicalaire, UMR 7273, F-13397 Marseille, France
| | - Yohann Guillaneuf
- Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, Institut de Chimie Radicalaire, UMR 7273, F-13397 Marseille, France
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11
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Hou Y, Zhu G, Catt SO, Yin Y, Xu J, Blasco E, Zhao N. Closed-Loop Recyclable Silica-Based Nanocomposites with Multifunctional Properties and Versatile Processability. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2304147. [PMID: 37844996 PMCID: PMC10724396 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202304147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
Most plastics originate from limited petroleum reserves and cannot be effectively recycled at the end of their life cycle, making them a significant threat to the environment and human health. Closed-loop chemical recycling, by depolymerizing plastics into monomers that can be repolymerized, offers a promising solution for recycling otherwise wasted plastics. However, most current chemically recyclable polymers may only be prepared at the gram scale, and their depolymerization typically requires harsh conditions and high energy consumption. Herein, it reports less petroleum-dependent closed-loop recyclable silica-based nanocomposites that can be prepared on a large scale and have a fully reversible polymerization/depolymerization capability at room temperature, based on catalysis of free aminopropyl groups with the assistance of diethylamine or ethylenediamine. The nanocomposites show glass-like hardness yet plastic-like light weight and toughness, exhibiting the highest specific mechanical strength superior even to common materials such as poly(methyl methacrylate), glass, and ZrO2 ceramic, as well as demonstrating multifunctionality such as anti-fouling, low thermal conductivity, and flame retardancy. Meanwhile, these nanocomposites can be easily processed by various plastic-like scalable manufacturing methods, such as compression molding and 3D printing. These nanocomposites are expected to provide an alternative to petroleum-based plastics and contribute to a closed-loop materials economy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Hou
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular SciencesLaboratory of Polymer Physics and ChemistryInstitute of ChemistryChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100190P. R. China
- Institute for Molecular Systems Engineering and Advanced Materials (IMSEAM)Heidelberg University69120HeidelbergGermany
- Organic Chemistry Institute (OCI)Heidelberg University69120HeidelbergGermany
| | - Guangda Zhu
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular SciencesLaboratory of Polymer Physics and ChemistryInstitute of ChemistryChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100190P. R. China
- Institute for Molecular Systems Engineering and Advanced Materials (IMSEAM)Heidelberg University69120HeidelbergGermany
- Organic Chemistry Institute (OCI)Heidelberg University69120HeidelbergGermany
| | - Samantha O. Catt
- Institute for Molecular Systems Engineering and Advanced Materials (IMSEAM)Heidelberg University69120HeidelbergGermany
- Organic Chemistry Institute (OCI)Heidelberg University69120HeidelbergGermany
| | - Yuhan Yin
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular SciencesLaboratory of Polymer Physics and ChemistryInstitute of ChemistryChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100190P. R. China
| | - Jian Xu
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular SciencesLaboratory of Polymer Physics and ChemistryInstitute of ChemistryChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100190P. R. China
| | - Eva Blasco
- Institute for Molecular Systems Engineering and Advanced Materials (IMSEAM)Heidelberg University69120HeidelbergGermany
- Organic Chemistry Institute (OCI)Heidelberg University69120HeidelbergGermany
| | - Ning Zhao
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular SciencesLaboratory of Polymer Physics and ChemistryInstitute of ChemistryChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100190P. R. China
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12
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Johnson AM, Johnson JA. Thermally Robust yet Deconstructable and Chemically Recyclable High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)-Like Materials Based on Si-O Bonds. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023:e202315085. [PMID: 37903133 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202315085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023]
Abstract
Polyethylene (PE) is the most widely produced synthetic polymer. By installing chemically cleavable bonds into the backbone of PE, it is possible to produce chemically deconstructable PE derivatives; to date, however, such designs have primarily relied on carbonyl- and olefin-related functional groups. Bifunctional silyl ethers (BSEs; SiR2 (OR'2 )) could expand the functional scope of PE mimics as they possess strong Si-O bonds and facile chemical tunability. Here, we report BSE-containing high-density polyethylene (HDPE)-like materials synthesized through a one-pot catalytic ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) and hydrogenation sequence. The crystallinity of these materials can be adjusted by varying the BSE concentration or the steric bulk of the Si-substituents, providing handles to control thermomechanical properties. Two methods for chemical recycling of HDPE mimics are introduced, including a circular approach that leverages acid-catalyzed Si-O bond exchange with 1-propanol. Additionally, despite the fact that the starting HDPE mimics were synthesized by chain-growth polymerization (ROMP), we show that it is possible to recover the molar mass and dispersity of recycled HDPE products using step-growth Si-O bond formation or exchange, generating high molecular weight recycled HDPE products with mechanical properties similar to commercial HDPE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alayna M Johnson
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Jeremiah A Johnson
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
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13
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Albanese K, Morris PT, Read de Alaniz J, Bates CM, Hawker CJ. Controlled-Radical Polymerization of α-Lipoic Acid: A General Route to Degradable Vinyl Copolymers. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:22728-22734. [PMID: 37813389 PMCID: PMC10591472 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c08248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
Here, we present the synthesis and characterization of statistical and block copolymers containing α-lipoic acid (LA) using reversible addition-fragmentation chain-transfer (RAFT) polymerization. LA, a readily available nutritional supplement, undergoes efficient radical ring-opening copolymerization with vinyl monomers in a controlled manner with predictable molecular weights and low molar-mass dispersities. Because lipoic acid diads present in the resulting copolymers include disulfide bonds, these materials efficiently and rapidly degrade when exposed to mild reducing agents such as tris(2-carboxyethyl)phosphine (Mn = 56 → 3.6 kg mol-1). This scalable and versatile polymerization method affords a facile way to synthesize degradable polymers with controlled architectures, molecular weights, and molar-mass dispersities from α-lipoic acid, a commercially available and renewable monomer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlin
R. Albanese
- Department
of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Materials Research Laboratory, Materials Department, and Department of
Chemical Engineering, University of California,
Santa Barbara, Santa
Barbara, California 93106, United States
| | - Parker T. Morris
- Department
of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Materials Research Laboratory, Materials Department, and Department of
Chemical Engineering, University of California,
Santa Barbara, Santa
Barbara, California 93106, United States
| | - Javier Read de Alaniz
- Department
of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Materials Research Laboratory, Materials Department, and Department of
Chemical Engineering, University of California,
Santa Barbara, Santa
Barbara, California 93106, United States
| | - Christopher M. Bates
- Department
of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Materials Research Laboratory, Materials Department, and Department of
Chemical Engineering, University of California,
Santa Barbara, Santa
Barbara, California 93106, United States
| | - Craig J. Hawker
- Department
of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Materials Research Laboratory, Materials Department, and Department of
Chemical Engineering, University of California,
Santa Barbara, Santa
Barbara, California 93106, United States
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14
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Čamdžić L, Stache EE. Controlled Radical Polymerization of Acrylates and Isocyanides Installs Degradable Functionality into Novel Copolymers. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:20311-20318. [PMID: 37669233 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c04595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/07/2023]
Abstract
Installing ketones into a polymer backbone is a known method for introducing photodegradability into polymers; however, most current methods are limited to ethylene-carbon monoxide copolymerization. Here we use isocyanides in place of carbon monoxide in a copolymerization strategy to access degradable nonalternating poly(ketones) that either maintain or enhance the thermal properties. A cobalt-mediated radical polymerization of acrylates and isocyanides synthesizes nonalternating poly(acrylate-co-isocyanide) copolymers with tunable incorporation using monomer feed ratios. The kinetic product of the polymerization is a dynamic β-imine ester that tautomerizes to the β-enamine ester. Hydrolysis of this copolymer affords a third copolymer microstructure─the elusive nonalternating poly(ketone)─from a single copolymerization strategy. Analysis of the copolymer properties demonstrates tunable thermal properties with the degree of incorporation. Finally, we show that poly(acrylate-co-isocyanide) and poly(acrylate-co-ketone) are photodegradable with 390 nm light, enabling chain cleavage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lejla Čamdžić
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
| | - Erin E Stache
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
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15
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Brown CM, Husted KEL, Wang Y, Kilgallon LJ, Shieh P, Zafar H, Lundberg DJ, Johnson JA. Thiol-triggered deconstruction of bifunctional silyl ether terpolymers via an S NAr-triggered cascade. Chem Sci 2023; 14:8869-8877. [PMID: 37621440 PMCID: PMC10445473 DOI: 10.1039/d3sc02868b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
While Si-containing polymers can often be deconstructed using chemical triggers such as fluoride, acids, and bases, they are resistant to cleavage by mild reagents such as biological nucleophiles, thus limiting their end-of-life options and potential environmental degradability. Here, using ring-opening metathesis polymerization, we synthesize terpolymers of (1) a "functional" monomer (e.g., a polyethylene glycol macromonomer or dicyclopentadiene); (2) a monomer containing an electrophilic pentafluorophenyl (PFP) substituent; and (3) a cleavable monomer based on a bifunctional silyl ether . Exposing these polymers to thiols under basic conditions triggers a cascade of nucleophilic aromatic substitution (SNAr) at the PFP groups, which liberates fluoride ions, followed by cleavage of the backbone Si-O bonds, inducing polymer backbone deconstruction. This method is shown to be effective for deconstruction of polyethylene glycol (PEG) based graft terpolymers in organic or aqueous conditions as well as polydicyclopentadiene (pDCPD) thermosets, significantly expanding upon the versatility of bifunctional silyl ether based functional polymers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher M Brown
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology 77 Massachusetts Avenue Cambridge MA 02139 USA
| | - Keith E L Husted
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology 77 Massachusetts Avenue Cambridge MA 02139 USA
| | - Yuyan Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology 77 Massachusetts Avenue Cambridge MA 02139 USA
| | - Landon J Kilgallon
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology 77 Massachusetts Avenue Cambridge MA 02139 USA
| | - Peyton Shieh
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology 77 Massachusetts Avenue Cambridge MA 02139 USA
| | - Hadiqa Zafar
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology 77 Massachusetts Avenue Cambridge MA 02139 USA
| | - David J Lundberg
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology 77 Massachusetts Avenue Cambridge MA 02139 USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology 77 Massachusetts Avenue Cambridge MA 02139 USA
| | - Jeremiah A Johnson
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology 77 Massachusetts Avenue Cambridge MA 02139 USA
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology 77 Massachusetts Avenue Cambridge Massachusetts 02139 USA
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16
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Abu Bakar R, Hepburn KS, Keddie JL, Roth PJ. Degradable, Ultraviolet-Crosslinked Pressure-Sensitive Adhesives Made from Thioester-Functional Acrylate Copolymers. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202307009. [PMID: 37378955 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202307009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs) are made from soft, irreversibly lightly crosslinked polymers. Even after removal from surfaces, they retain insoluble networks which pose problems during the recycling of glass and cardboard. Herein, degradable PSAs are presented that provide the required performance in use but have networks that can be degraded after use. A series of copolymers was prepared through radical copolymerization of n-butyl acrylate, 4-acryloyloxy benzophenone (ABP) photo-crosslinker, and dibenzo[c,e]oxepin-5(7H)-thione (DOT) to provide degradable backbone thioesters. The optimum tack and peel strengths were found for molar contents of 0.05 mol% ABP and 0.25 mol% DOT. Degradation of the backbone thioesters through aminolysis or thiolysis led to the full dissolution of the networks, loss of adhesive properties of films (decreases in the measured tack and peel strengths), and the quick detachment of model labels from a substrate. Inclusion of DOT into PSAs offers a viable route toward degradable and recyclable packaging labels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohani Abu Bakar
- School of Mathematics & Physics and School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, University of Surrey, Guildford, GU2 7XH, UK
- Malaysian Rubber Board, 50450, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Kyle S Hepburn
- School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, University of Surrey, Guildford, GU2 7XH, UK
| | - Joseph L Keddie
- School of Mathematics & Physics, University of Surrey, Guildford, GU2 7XH, UK
| | - Peter J Roth
- School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, University of Surrey, Guildford, GU2 7XH, UK
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17
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Xia Y, Zhou F, Hao W, Tang S. Synthesis of Degradable Polyolefins Bearing Disulfide Units via Metathesis Copolymerization. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:3101. [PMID: 37514489 PMCID: PMC10384691 DOI: 10.3390/polym15143101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Disulfide bonds are dynamic covalent bonds, which are easy to cleave and reform upon chemical stimulus. Various methods including the oxidative coupling of thiols and polymerization of disulfide-containing monomers have been developed for the synthesis of poly(disulfide)s. However, installing small amounts of disulfide units in the main chain of polyolefins has received much less attention. Herein, we report a novel strategy for incorporating cleavable disulfide units into the backbone of polyolefins using commercially available diallyl disulfide (DADS) as a comonomer via metathesis copolymerization. The copolymerization of diallyl disulfide with cyclooctene occurred using the second-generation Grubbs catalyst under mild conditions, allowing for the synthesis of copolymers with adjustable disulfide content ranging from 0.7 to 8.5 mol%, and the molecular weight of the obtained copolymers ranged from 5.8 kg·mol-1 to 42.8 kg·mol-1. The resulting polyolefins with disulfide insertion retained excellent thermal processability and exhibited degradability. Treatment of the copolymer (8.5 mol% disulfide content) with tri-n-butylphosphine resulted in a significant reduction in molecular weight from 5.8 kg·mol-1 to 1.6 kg·mol-1. Successful copolymerization with diallyl disulfide provides a convenient and effective method for obtaining degradable polyolefins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Xia
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang 330022, China
- Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Fulin Zhou
- Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Wenyan Hao
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang 330022, China
| | - Shan Tang
- Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
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18
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Prebihalo EA, Luke AM, Reddi Y, LaSalle CJ, Shah VM, Cramer CJ, Reineke TM. Radical ring-opening polymerization of sustainably-derived thionoisochromanone. Chem Sci 2023; 14:5689-5698. [PMID: 37265728 PMCID: PMC10231309 DOI: 10.1039/d2sc06040j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
We present the synthesis, characterization and radical ring-opening polymerization (rROP) capabilities of thionoisochromanone (TIC), a fungi-derivable thionolactone. TIC is the first reported six-membered thionolactone to readily homopolymerize under free radical conditions without the presence of a dormant comonomer or repeated initiation. Even more, the resulting polymer is fully degradable under mild, basic conditions. Computations providing molecular-level insights into the mechanistic and energetic details of polymerization identified a unique S,S,O-orthoester intermediate that leads to a sustained chain-end. This sustained chain-end allowed for the synthesis of a block copolymer of TIC and styrene under entirely free radical conditions without explicit radical control methods such as reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization (RAFT). We also report the statistical copolymerization of ring-retained TIC and styrene, confirmed by elemental analysis and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Computations into the energetic details of copolymerization indicate kinetic drivers for ring-retaining behavior. This work provides the first example of a sustainable feedstock for rROP and provides the field with the first six-membered monomer susceptible to rROP, expanding the monomer scope to aid our fundamental understanding of thionolactone rROP behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily A Prebihalo
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota 207 Pleasant St. SE Minneapolis MN 55455 USA
| | - Anna M Luke
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota 207 Pleasant St. SE Minneapolis MN 55455 USA
| | - Yernaidu Reddi
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota 207 Pleasant St. SE Minneapolis MN 55455 USA
| | - Christopher J LaSalle
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota 207 Pleasant St. SE Minneapolis MN 55455 USA
| | - Vijay M Shah
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota 207 Pleasant St. SE Minneapolis MN 55455 USA
| | | | - Theresa M Reineke
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota 207 Pleasant St. SE Minneapolis MN 55455 USA
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19
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Yan T, Balzer AH, Herbert KM, Epps TH, Korley LTJ. Circularity in polymers: addressing performance and sustainability challenges using dynamic covalent chemistries. Chem Sci 2023; 14:5243-5265. [PMID: 37234906 PMCID: PMC10208058 DOI: 10.1039/d3sc00551h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The circularity of current and future polymeric materials is a major focus of fundamental and applied research, as undesirable end-of-life outcomes and waste accumulation are global problems that impact our society. The recycling or repurposing of thermoplastics and thermosets is an attractive solution to these issues, yet both options are encumbered by poor property retention upon reuse, along with heterogeneities in common waste streams that limit property optimization. Dynamic covalent chemistry, when applied to polymeric materials, enables the targeted design of reversible bonds that can be tailored to specific reprocessing conditions to help address conventional recycling challenges. In this review, we highlight the key features of several dynamic covalent chemistries that can promote closed-loop recyclability and we discuss recent synthetic progress towards incorporating these chemistries into new polymers and existing commodity plastics. Next, we outline how dynamic covalent bonds and polymer network structure influence thermomechanical properties related to application and recyclability, with a focus on predictive physical models that describe network rearrangement. Finally, we examine the potential economic and environmental impacts of dynamic covalent polymeric materials in closed-loop processing using elements derived from techno-economic analysis and life-cycle assessment, including minimum selling prices and greenhouse gas emissions. Throughout each section, we discuss interdisciplinary obstacles that hinder the widespread adoption of dynamic polymers and present opportunities and new directions toward the realization of circularity in polymeric materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianwei Yan
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware Newark 19716 Delaware USA
- Center for Plastics Innovation (CPI), University of Delaware Newark 19716 Delaware USA
| | - Alex H Balzer
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware Newark 19716 Delaware USA
- Center for Plastics Innovation (CPI), University of Delaware Newark 19716 Delaware USA
| | - Katie M Herbert
- Center for Plastics Innovation (CPI), University of Delaware Newark 19716 Delaware USA
| | - Thomas H Epps
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware Newark 19716 Delaware USA
- Center for Plastics Innovation (CPI), University of Delaware Newark 19716 Delaware USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware Newark 19716 Delaware USA
- Center for Research in Soft matter and Polymers (CRiSP), University of Delaware Newark 19716 Delaware USA
| | - LaShanda T J Korley
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware Newark 19716 Delaware USA
- Center for Plastics Innovation (CPI), University of Delaware Newark 19716 Delaware USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware Newark 19716 Delaware USA
- Center for Research in Soft matter and Polymers (CRiSP), University of Delaware Newark 19716 Delaware USA
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20
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Sbordone F, Veskova J, Richardson B, Do PT, Micallef A, Frisch H. Embedding Peptides into Synthetic Polymers: Radical Ring-Opening Copolymerization of Cyclic Peptides. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:6221-6229. [PMID: 36898136 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c12517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
Biopolymers such as proteins and nucleic acids are the key building blocks of life. Synthetic polymers have nevertheless revolutionized our everyday life through their robust synthetic accessibility. Combining the unmatched functionality of biopolymers with the robustness of tailorable synthetic polymers holds the promise to create materials that can be designed ad hoc for a wide array of applications. Radical polymerization is the most widely applied polymerization technique in both fundamental science and industrial polymer production. While this polymerization technique is robust and well controlled, it generally yields unfunctional all-carbon backbones. Combinations of natural polymers such as peptides, with synthetic polymers, are thus limited to tethering peptides onto the side chains or chain ends of the latter. This synthetic limitation is a critical restraint, considering that the function of biopolymers is programmed into the sequence of their main chain (i.e., primary structure). Here, we report the radical copolymerization of peptides and synthetic comonomers yielding synthetic polymers with defined peptide sequences embedded into their main chain. Key was the development of a solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) approach to generate synthetic access to peptide conjugates containing allylic sulfides. Following cyclization, the obtained peptide monomers can be readily copolymerized with N,N-dimethylacrylamide (DMA)─controlled by reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT). Importantly, the developed synthetic strategy is compatible with all 20 standard amino acids and uses exclusively standard SPPS chemicals or chemicals accessible in one-step synthesis─prerequisite for widespread and universal application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Sbordone
- School of Chemistry and Physics, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia
- Centre for Materials Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia
| | - Juliet Veskova
- School of Chemistry and Physics, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia
- Centre for Materials Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia
| | - Bailey Richardson
- School of Chemistry and Physics, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia
- Centre for Materials Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia
| | - Phuong Thi Do
- School of Chemistry and Physics, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia
- Centre for Materials Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia
| | - Aaron Micallef
- Centre for Materials Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia
- Central Analytical Research Facility, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia
| | - Hendrik Frisch
- School of Chemistry and Physics, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia
- Centre for Materials Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia
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21
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Zhang Z, Xiong Y, Yang P, Li Y, Tang R, Nie X, Chen G, Wang LH, Hong CY, You YZ. Easy Access to Diverse Multiblock Copolymers with On-Demand Blocks via Thioester-Relayed In-Chain Cascade Copolymerization. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202216685. [PMID: 36786232 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202216685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
Multiblock copolymers are envisioned as promising materials with enhanced properties and functionality compared with their diblock/triblock counterparts. However, the current approaches can construct multiblock copolymers with a limited number of blocks but tedious procedures. Here, we report a thioester-relayed in-chain cascade copolymerization strategy for the easy preparation of multiblock copolymers with on-demand blocks, in which thioester groups with on-demand numbers are built in the polymer backbone by controlled/living polymerizations. These thioester groups further serve as the in-chain initiating centers to trigger the acyl group transfer ring-opening polymerization of episulfides independently and concurrently to extend the polymer backbone into multiblock structures. The compositions, number of blocks, and block degree of polymerization can be easily regulated. This strategy can offer easy access to a library of multiblock copolymers with ≈100 blocks in only 2 to 4 steps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ze Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soft Matter Chemistry, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, China
| | - Yu Xiong
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, China
| | - Peng Yang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soft Matter Chemistry, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, China
| | - Yang Li
- Laboratory for Biomaterials and Drug Delivery, Department of Anesthesiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA-02115, USA
| | - Rui Tang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soft Matter Chemistry, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, China
| | - Xuan Nie
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soft Matter Chemistry, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, China
| | - Guang Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soft Matter Chemistry, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, China
| | - Long-Hai Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soft Matter Chemistry, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, China
| | - Chun-Yan Hong
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soft Matter Chemistry, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, China
| | - Ye-Zi You
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soft Matter Chemistry, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, China
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22
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Uchiyama M, Murakami Y, Satoh K, Kamigaito M. Synthesis and Degradation of Vinyl Polymers with Evenly Distributed Thioacetal Bonds in Main Chains: Cationic DT Copolymerization of Vinyl Ethers and Cyclic Thioacetals. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202215021. [PMID: 36369911 PMCID: PMC10107285 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202215021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
We report a novel method to synthesize degradable poly(vinyl ether)s with cleavable thioacetal bonds periodically arranged in the main chains using controlled cationic copolymerization of vinyl ethers with a 7-membered cyclic thioacetal (7-CTA) via degenerative chain transfer (DT) to the internal thioacetal bonds. The thioacetal bonds, which are introduced into the main chain by cationic ring-opening copolymerization of 7-CTA with vinyl ethers, serve as in-chain dormant species to allow homogeneous propagation of vinyl ethers for all internal segments to afford copolymers with controlled overall and segmental molecular weights. The obtained polymers can be degraded into low- and controlled-molecular-weight polymers with narrow molecular weight distributions via hydrolysis. Various vinyl ethers with hydrophobic, hydrophilic, and functional pendants are available. Finally, one-pot synthesis of multiblock copolymers and their degradation into diblock copolymers are also achieved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mineto Uchiyama
- Department of Molecular and Macromolecular Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, 464-8603, Japan
| | - Yukihiro Murakami
- Department of Molecular and Macromolecular Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, 464-8603, Japan
| | - Kotaro Satoh
- Department of Chemical Science and Engineering, School of Materials and Chemical Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 2-12-1-H120 Ookayama, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, 152-8550, Japan
| | - Masami Kamigaito
- Department of Molecular and Macromolecular Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, 464-8603, Japan
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23
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Wang W, Rondon B, Wang Z, Wang J, Niu J. Macrocyclic Allylic Sulfone as a Universal Comonomer in Organocatalyzed Photocontrolled Radical Copolymerization with Vinyl Monomers. Macromolecules 2023. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.2c02025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Wenqi Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts02467, United States
| | - Brayan Rondon
- Department of Chemistry, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts02467, United States
| | - Zeyu Wang
- School of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering, The University of Akron, Akron, Ohio44325, United States
| | - Junpeng Wang
- School of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering, The University of Akron, Akron, Ohio44325, United States
| | - Jia Niu
- Department of Chemistry, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts02467, United States
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Lages M, Pesenti T, Zhu C, Le D, Mougin J, Guillaneuf Y, Nicolas J. Degradable polyisoprene by radical ring-opening polymerization and application to polymer prodrug nanoparticles. Chem Sci 2023; 14:3311-3325. [PMID: 36970097 PMCID: PMC10034157 DOI: 10.1039/d2sc05316k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Radical ring-opening copolymerization of isoprene and dibenzo[c,e]oxepane-5-thione via free-radical and controlled radical polymerizations led to degradable polyisoprene under basic, oxidative and physiological conditions with application to prodrug nanoparticles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maëlle Lages
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Institut Galien Paris-Saclay, 17 Avenue des Sciences, 91400 Orsay, France
| | - Théo Pesenti
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Institut Galien Paris-Saclay, 17 Avenue des Sciences, 91400 Orsay, France
| | - Chen Zhu
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Institut Galien Paris-Saclay, 17 Avenue des Sciences, 91400 Orsay, France
| | - Dao Le
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Institut Galien Paris-Saclay, 17 Avenue des Sciences, 91400 Orsay, France
| | - Julie Mougin
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Institut Galien Paris-Saclay, 17 Avenue des Sciences, 91400 Orsay, France
| | - Yohann Guillaneuf
- Aix-Marseille-Univ., CNRS, Institut de Chimie Radicalaire, UMR 7273, F-13397 Marseille, France
| | - Julien Nicolas
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Institut Galien Paris-Saclay, 17 Avenue des Sciences, 91400 Orsay, France
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Arroyave A, Cui S, Lopez JC, Kocen AL, LaPointe AM, Delferro M, Coates GW. Catalytic Chemical Recycling of Post-Consumer Polyethylene. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:23280-23285. [PMID: 36524740 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c11949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Among commercial plastics, polyolefins are the most widely produced worldwide but have limited recyclability. Here, we report a chemical recycling route for the conversion of post-consumer high-density polyethylene (HDPE) into telechelic macromonomers suitable for circular reprocessing. Unsaturation was introduced into HDPE by catalytic dehydrogenation using an Ir-POCOP catalyst without an alkene acceptor. Cross-metathesis with 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate followed by hydrogenation transformed the partially unsaturated HDPE into telechelic macromonomers. The direct repolymerization of the macromonomers gave a brittle material due to the low overall weight-average molecular weight. Aminolysis of telechelic macromonomers with a small amount of diethanolamine increased the overall functionality. The resulting macromonomers were repolymerized through transesterification to generate a polymer with comparable mechanical properties to the starting post-consumer HDPE waste. Depolymerization of the repolymerized material catalyzed by an organic base regenerated the telechelic macromonomers, thereby allowing waste polyethylene materials to enter a chemical recycling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra Arroyave
- Chemical Sciences and Engineering Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, Illinois 60439-4801, United States
| | - Shilin Cui
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Baker Laboratory, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853-1301, United States
| | - Jaqueline C Lopez
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Baker Laboratory, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853-1301, United States
| | - Andrew L Kocen
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Baker Laboratory, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853-1301, United States
| | - Anne M LaPointe
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Baker Laboratory, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853-1301, United States
| | - Massimiliano Delferro
- Chemical Sciences and Engineering Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, Illinois 60439-4801, United States.,Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637-1433, United States
| | - Geoffrey W Coates
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Baker Laboratory, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853-1301, United States
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26
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Lages M, Gil N, Galanopoulo P, Mougin J, Lefay C, Guillaneuf Y, Lansalot M, D’Agosto F, Nicolas J. Degradable Vinyl Copolymer Nanoparticles/Latexes by Aqueous Nitroxide-Mediated Polymerization-Induced Self-Assembly. Macromolecules 2022. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.2c01734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Maëlle Lages
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Institut Galien Paris-Saclay, F–91400 Orsay, France
| | - Noémie Gil
- Aix-Marseille-Univ., CNRS, Institut de Chimie Radicalaire, UMR 7273, F-13397 Marseille, France
| | - Paul Galanopoulo
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CPE Lyon, CNRS, UMR 5128, Catalysis, Polymerization, Processes and Materials (CP2M), Villeurbanne F-69616, France
| | - Julie Mougin
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Institut Galien Paris-Saclay, F–91400 Orsay, France
| | - Catherine Lefay
- Aix-Marseille-Univ., CNRS, Institut de Chimie Radicalaire, UMR 7273, F-13397 Marseille, France
| | - Yohann Guillaneuf
- Aix-Marseille-Univ., CNRS, Institut de Chimie Radicalaire, UMR 7273, F-13397 Marseille, France
| | - Muriel Lansalot
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CPE Lyon, CNRS, UMR 5128, Catalysis, Polymerization, Processes and Materials (CP2M), Villeurbanne F-69616, France
| | - Franck D’Agosto
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CPE Lyon, CNRS, UMR 5128, Catalysis, Polymerization, Processes and Materials (CP2M), Villeurbanne F-69616, France
| | - Julien Nicolas
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Institut Galien Paris-Saclay, F–91400 Orsay, France
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Zhang S, Cao C, Jiang S, Huang H. A General Strategy for Radical Ring-Opening Polymerization of Macrocyclic Allylic Sulfides. Macromolecules 2022. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.2c01636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Zhang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Chi Cao
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Suqiu Jiang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Hanchu Huang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
- State Key Laboratory of Bioorganic and Natural Products Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
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28
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Elliss H, Dawson F, Nisa QU, Bingham NM, Roth PJ, Kopeć M. Fully Degradable Polyacrylate Networks from Conventional Radical Polymerization Enabled by Thionolactone Addition. Macromolecules 2022. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.2c01140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Harry Elliss
- Department of Chemistry, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY, U.K
| | - Frances Dawson
- Department of Chemistry, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY, U.K
| | - Qamar un Nisa
- Department of Chemistry, University of Surrey, Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, U.K
| | | | - Peter J. Roth
- Department of Chemistry, University of Surrey, Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, U.K
| | - Maciej Kopeć
- Department of Chemistry, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY, U.K
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