Two-Dimensional Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework ZIF-L: A Promising Catalyst for Polymerization

Here, for the first time, a 2D and leaf-like zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-L) is reported for the synthesis of ultrahigh molecular weight (UHMW) poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) with <i>M</i><sub>n</sub> up to 1390 kg mol<sup>−1</sup>. This synthesis method...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: M. Abdur Rahaman, Bibimaryam Mousavi, Farah Naz, Francis Verpoort
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2022-05-01
Series:Catalysts
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4344/12/5/521
Description
Summary:Here, for the first time, a 2D and leaf-like zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-L) is reported for the synthesis of ultrahigh molecular weight (UHMW) poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) with <i>M</i><sub>n</sub> up to 1390 kg mol<sup>−1</sup>. This synthesis method is a one-step process without any co-catalyst in a solvent-free medium. SEM, PXRD, FT-IR, TGA, and nitrogen sorption measurements confirmed the 2D and leaf-like structure of ZIF-L. The results of PXRD, SEM, TGA demonstrate that the catalyst ZIF-L is remarkably stable even after a long-time polymerization reaction. Zwitterionic Lewis pair polymerization (LPP) has been proposed for the catalytic performance of ZIF-L on methyl methacrylate (MMA) polymerization. This MMA polymerization is consistent with a living system, where ZIF-L could reinitiate the polymerization and propagates the process by gradually growing the polymer chains.
ISSN:2073-4344