Photochemical conversions resulting from controlled electron transfer and energy transfer properties can be used as a route to make new nanocomposite materials. The synthesis of metal nanoparticle (NP) materials involve the use of colloidal methods and ligands/surfactants that result in either micellar, block copolymers, and nanoreactor configurations to control the growth kinetics of NPs. This results in control of size, shape, polydispersity, and surface functionality or core-shell geometries of these nanomaterials. Equally important is their dispersion in polymer materials hosts in the form of coatings, gels, bulk shapes, and layered systems, etc. This talk will highlight the in-situ fabrication of polymer nanocomposites by the photoconversion of nanoparticles using ketyl radicals and metal nanoparticle precursors (Au, Pt, Pd, etc.) based on the selective incorporation of radical generators that facilitate reduction of these precursors to metal[0]. The mechanism of this photoconversion will be discussed. Patterning strategies will also be highlighted. The result is that nanocomposites can be prepared based on the synthesis and blending of these precursors and radical generators which can be selectively activated by UV irradiation and converted onto patterns or metalized films. Such methods will offer an alternative to the fabrication of metal NP loaded fibers, coatings, films, etc. that can be processed first followed by a non-heating conversion procedure.

Graphene-polymer nanocomposite mediated photopolymerizations

2019 Spring National Meeting

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