Scalable and Self-Degassing Process for Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization Controlled by Electrochemistry
KEYWORDS: ATRP; Controlled Radical Polymerizations; Oxygen Tolerance; Polymers; Scale-up.
Existing methods for large scale controlled radical polymerization still do not include deoxygenation of the polymerization mixture. Since degassing of a (very) large mixture is not feasible at (very) large scale, dissolved oxygen has to be (electro)chemically washed out of the mixture. Our technology enables the production of various (co)polymers on a large scale by integrating an electrochemical cycle for oxygen scavenging into the polymerization equilibrium:
1. The reaction is then easier to prepare, handle and trigger in the presence of the low-cost sodium pyruvate scrubber. The control over the macromolecular properties is very tight;
2. Our reactors do not require expensive electrodes, are scalable beyond 15 L, and are powered by renewable energy. At 15 L, the maximum power is 1 watt.
Unlike existing methods, there is no need for high-vacuum degassing, purging, or extensive surface cleaning prior to electrolysis. The reactor cleans its own surface and the oxygen is converted into harmless by-products by the same catalyst used in the polymerization. This process is compatible with a wide range of hydrophilic monomers, and can be used for scalable production of high-specialty polymers.
The 18 L full scale reactor loaded with 15 L of polymerization mixture | Kinetics of eATRP of acrylamide from 0.04 to 15 L
Advantages |
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Electrochemical self-degassing of the polymerization mixture with inexpensive ROS scavengers. |
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Electrochemical self-cleaning of surface reactor before the electrolysis. |
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Tight control of molecular weight and dispersity up to 15 L and beyond. |
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Near room temperature process. |
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Compatible with water and aqueous mixtures. |
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Minimal energy requirements (only 1 W of peak power at 15 L). |
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No expensive electrodes are needed. |
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Further scalability beyond 15 L. |
| Operates as batch reactor, with semibatch possibilities. |
Applications |
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Large volume synthesis of controlled linear homopolymers for different application (e.g thickening agents, flocculants, thermoresponsive (co)polymers…). |
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Large volume synthesis of controlled star-shaped (co)polymers (e. g rheology modifiers). |
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Large volume synthesis of controlled cationic (co)polymers (e.g antimibrobial polymers). |
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Large volume synthesis of controlled statistical (co)polymers (e.g lubricants additives). |
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Large volume synthesis of controlled biocompatible (co)polymers. |
| Large volume synthesis of engineered cellulose-(co)polymer materials. |
STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT: TRL 3
IPR LEGAL STATUS: Patent Panding n.º 117852 filed on 11/03/2022.
OWNERSHIP: The rights to the technology are held by the University of Coimbra.
COLLABORATION SOUGHT: The University of Coimbra is seeking commercial partners interested in further developing the technology under a collaboration and license agreement or acquiring the existing rights.