We use controlled free radical polymerization techniques, mainly difunctional initiated ATRP and RAFT, to make block copolymers with controlled topologies and placement of ionic groups. Recently, we have demonstrated a general synthesis based on difunctional ATRP to make mid-block sulfonated triblock copolymers. |
In addition to our activities on block copolymers, we are interested in high performance membranes composed of functionalized poly(sulfone)s and other aromatic polymers. We use direct polymerization of new monomers and post-polymerization modification reactions to produce robust membranes from aromatic polymers.
A key activity in our group are routes to anion exchange membranes with state-of-the-art properties. In the scheme below, poly(sulfone) copolymers are seeded with benzylmethyl groups for facile conversion to quaternary ammonium moieties. |