Synthesis of poly(4-diphenylaminostyrene)-poly(1-vinylpyrene) binary block copolymer as a noncovalent cross-linker for single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) gel: Anionic polymerization of 1-vinylpyrene and formation of self-assembled polymer/SWNTs nanocomposite

• Published in: Polymer (Guilford) 2016-05, Vol.91, p.194-202
• Main Authors: Natori, Itaru, Natori, Shizue, Hanawa, Naoki, Ogino, Kenji
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Anionic polymerization; Block copolymers; Crosslinking; Initiators; Nanocomposites; Non-covalent cross-linker; Poly(4-diphenylaminostyrene)-poly(1-vinylpyrene) binary block copolymers; Single wall carbon nanotubes; Single-walled carbon nanotubes; Solubility; Toluene
• ISSN: 0032-3861; 1873-2291
• DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2016.03.061

Poly(4-diphenylaminostyrene) (PDAS)-poly(1-vinylpyrene) (PVPY) binary block copolymers were synthesized by well-controlled anionic polymerization of 1-vinylpyrene for the first time. The nucleophilicity and solubility of the initiator system and poly(1-vinylpyrenyl)lithium were very important factors in the polymerization reaction. An initiator system of the poly(4-diphenylaminostyryl)lithium/N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylethylenediamine system in toluene was found to be very effective. The PDAS-PVPY binary block copolymer having a high molecular weight PVPY block acted as a non-covalent cross-linker for single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) gel due to the aggregation of the polymer chain in addition to the strong π-π interactions between pyrenyl groups and SWNTs, forming a self-assembled polymer/SWNTs nanocomposite. [Display omitted] •Poly(4-diphenylaminostyrene)-poly(1-vinylpyrene) binary block copolymers were synthesized by anionic polymerization.•The poly(4-diphenylaminostyryl)lithium/N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylethylenediamine initiator system was found to be very effective.•A high molecular weight poly(1-vinylpyrene)block acted as a non-covalent cross-linker for single-walled carbon nanotubes.