Investigation of Electrochemically Mediated Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization

Electrochemically mediated atom transfer radical polymerization ( e ATRP) of n -butyl acrylate was systematically investigated using diminished catalyst concentrations (≤300 parts per million) under a variety of formulations and electrochemical conditions. Critical polymerization parameters, including the applied potential, catalyst concentration, and ligand, were explored and correlated with polymerization rates, polymer properties, and currents during the e ATRP process. Additional electrochemical methods were explored to improve the feasibility of e ATRP under galvanostatic conditions. Copper electrodeposition and stripping experimentation proved to be an effective strategy for catalyst recycling allowing sequential controlled polymerizations to be possible utilizing one catalyst charge.