Title: Next-Generation Polymerization: Precision Automation Meets Smart Material Discovery
Lukas Eylert, Bernhard Rieger
Rare earth metal-mediated group transfer polymerization (REM-GTP) enables the synthesis of high-precision polymers, e.g., polyvinylphosphonates. By activating the initiator sym-collidine with Cp2Y(CH2TMS)(THF) (Cp = C5H6; TMS = Si(CH3)4), a variety of polymers with tailored architectures can be produced.
Vinylphosphonates have been exclusively amorphous polymers, offering versatile applications, e.g., as dental adhesives or flame retardants, due to their water solubility and biocompatibility. They exhibit thermoresponsiveness and possess a low critical solution temperature, classifying them as smart materials.
However, synthesizing these polymers is demanding due to the high sensitivity and instability of the activated catalyst species towards hydrolysis, requiring meticulous and clean handling. This challenge is particularly pronounced when attempting to reproduce identical polymers with the same molecular weight, as slight variations can result in significant differences in polymer structure. Achieving perfect reproducibility is crucial for post-polymer modification processes, as it enables precise comparison of the physical properties of the modified polymers.
To address these challenges and ensure consistent polymer synthesis, a universally applicable robot was developed, capable of autonomously performing any homogeneously catalyzed reaction. The robot precisely doses water- and oxygen-sensitive reactants into a self-designed reactor. This breakthrough opens new possibilities in materials research and application.
Shortly, artificial intelligence will be integrated into the setup, automatically monitoring the reactions using in situ NMR measurements and adjusting the reaction conditions accordingly in real-time.