Research involves using electrons to synthesise polymers. We use ATRP, with targeted molecular weight and living chain ends. eATRP (electrochemical ATRP) with electrons to drive the synthesis is used. Electrons are 'clean' reducing agents that are less likely to lead to side-products, using appropriate potentials, and can be used to recycle catalyst. This reaction can be done on macroscale. Our aim is to perform the reaction on a nanoscale, ultra-confined area on a surface (see FIG 1). We have synthesised surface-bound polymers using an ATRP mixture and wish to investigate further. Surface polymers can be made using SECCM. A nanoscale droplet is delivered to the surface containing the mixture. Electricity is used to start the reaction. Initiators bonded to surface provide C-Br functional groups, leading to surface polymers. (see FIG 2). On the macro scale, electricity was used to generate well-controlled polymers. Curious to see if similar conditions can be applied to the nanoscale. For example, can living surface-bound polymers be re-activated for further reactions? Can monomer to initiator ratio be used to target molecular weights? Can length of the polymer chain determined by SEM, be related to the molecular weight targeted? In summary, we wish to electrochemistry to carry out macroscale and nanoscale polymerizations. Controlled polymers on the macroscale has have already been possible. Electrosynthesis using a simple two-electrode system and a three-electrode system on the macroscale in water has been possible. Thank you.

Aqueous electrochemical synthesis of polymers using ATRP on the nano/macro scale

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