Here we describe the use of graphite oxide (GO) as an efficient heterogeneous catalyst for the polymerization of various olefin monomers, including n-butyl vinyl ether, N-vinylcarbazole, styrene, and sodium 4-styrenesulfonate.  The GO-catalyzed polymerizations (0.01�5.0 wt.% GO relative to monomer) proceed rapidly under solvent-free conditions at 22 �C (complete conversion in 4 h) to moderate molecular weights with broad polydispersities.  Analysis of the carbon recovered at the conclusion of the polymerization reactions reveals that the material's catalytic activity is retained and multiple polymerization cycles can be performed without regenerating the catalyst.  Sodium 4-styrenesulfonate (aq.) is also shown to polymerize in the presence of GO to afford poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate) (PSS) composites.  After thermal reduction, the composites can be fabricated into electrodes for use in electrochemical double layer capacitors (EDLCs).  The devices display specific capacitances (Csp) as high as 120 F g-1 and low equivalent series resistance.

Graphite oxide as an olefin polymerization carbocatalyst: Applications in electrochemical double layer capacitors

244th National Meeting (2012)

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