Investigation of Electrochemically Mediated Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization

Electrochemically mediated atom transfer radical polymerization (eATRP) 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 eATRP process. Additional electrochemical methods were explored to improve the feasibility of eATRP 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.