Surface-initiated Kumada catalyst-transfer polycondensation (SI-KCTP) is a powerful technique for creating surface-bound conjugated polymer films. The mechanism of polymerization has been under intense investigation because of the promise this technique holds for the development of a diverse array of nanostructured systems in organic electronic devices. SI-KCTP remains rare in the literature due to the difficulty encountered with bulky monomers. In this talk, we will elaborate on recent work in our laboratory that yields further insight into the density and distribution of initiating sites on the surface using both Ni and Pd based initiators. Psuedo-first order rate constants were obtained through Grignard metathesis reactions with ferrocene-substituted thiophenes for both oxidative addition and transmetallation, and vary depending on the ligand/catalyst system used. Using optimized conditions, oriented thin films of various poly(thiophenes) and poly(phenylenes) were produced via SI-KCTP.

Creating conjugated polymer brushes using surface initiated polymerization

245th National Meeting (2013)

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