<br/>In this work, we demonstrate methods to functionalize cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), graft conjugated polymers from the CNC surfaces, and understand the results of the grafting chemistries with confidence. CNCs were esterified with functional aryl halides and, subsequently, conjugated polymers were grafted from the halide sites. Monomer selection, feed ratio, and polymerization times were varied in order to observe their effects on the end products. We demonstrate the successful grafting of poly (2-ethynylene-9,9-dihexyl fluorene) (PEF), poly (9,9-dihexyl fluorene) (PF), and poly (3-hexyl thiophene) (P3HT). Confidence in our success is based on characterization via FTIR, XPS, UV-Vis, and MALDI-ToF analyses.  We show short oligomeric grafts of PEF (2&lt;n&lt;6), slightly longer grafts of P3HT (5&lt;n&lt;11), and polymers of PF (4&lt;n&lt;18) after reaction times of 24 hours, vigorous cleaning, and eventual ester cleavage. While the oligomeric PEF is too short for effective use in devices, the PF and P3HT counterparts are within the range their respective conjugation lengths, thus showing promise as active layer materials in nanocellulose-based electronics.<br/> <br/>

Functional cellulose nanocrystals: Grafting with conjugated polymers

2019 Spring National Meeting

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