Block copolymers self-assemble into morphologies unobtainable by their corresponding homopolymers. Block copolymers consisting of conducting and insulating segments have been used to tune conducting polymer morphology and improve physical and optoelectronic properties. However, their syntheses commonly require multiple catalysts and purification steps. We have identified a single catalyst capable of consecutively undergoing two distinct polymerization mechanisms to generate poly(thiophene)-<i>block</i>-amorphous poly(1-hexene) copolymers in one-pot in a living manner. The challenge with this approach is rooted in tuning a single catalyst for multiple, living polymerizations. Therefore, we are currently developing a hybrid single-catalyst, one-pot synthetic approach for block copolymerization through in-situ catalyst modification. Preliminary results suggest copolymers with targeted insulating block topologies e.g., branched (amorphous), linear (semi-crystalline), etc. will be accessible via this method, enabling systematic evaluation of polythiophene’s optoelectronic response to variation in the insulating block topology, crystallinity, and molecular weight. Ultimately we aim to apply these methods to a variety of monomers to facilitate block copolymer synthesis and material analysis.

Accessing poly(olefin)-block-poly(thiophene) copolymers via one-pot living polymerizations

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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