Synthesis, Properties, and Derivatization of Poly(dihydrogermane): A Germanium-Based Polyethylene Analogue

Polygermanes are germanium-based analogues of polyolefins and possess polymer backbones made up catenated Ge atoms. In the present contribution we report the preparation of a germanium polyethylene analogue, polydihydrogermane (GeH₂)_n, via two straightforward approaches that involve topotactic deintercalation of Ca ions from the CaGe Zintl phase. The resulting (GeH₂)_n possesses morphologically dependent chemical and electronic properties and thermally decomposes to yield amorphous hydrogenated Ge. We also show that the resulting (GeH₂)_n provides a platform from which functionalized polygermanes can be prepared via thermally induced hydrogermylation-mediated pendant group substitution.

Metallocene influence on poly(cyclosilane) structure and properties

Poly(cyclosilane)s, conjugated polymers inspired by crystalline silicon, are synthesized by group 4 metallocene-promoted dehydrocoupling polymerization.

Electron energy loss spectroscopy for polymers: a review

Electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) allows imaging as well as extraction of spatially resolved chemical information and this review presents how EELS can be ap plied to polymeric systems.