Spiropyran-containing water-soluble and photoreversible copolymers

Boer Liu, James R. Brown, Chao Zeng, Harsheen Rajput, Rose K. McDonough, Paul Westerhoff, Timothy E. Long

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

Photoreversibility in polymer design enables the control of physical properties using light, and in concert with water-solubility permits applications in aqueous environments. Inspired by environmental application, the primary goal of this paper is to develop a new synthesis pathway and to characterize the structure and functional behavior of spiropyran-containing photoreversible and water-soluble polymers. A one-step facile acylation reaction yielded the spiropyran-containing acrylate (SPA) monomer. Free radical copolymerization afforded a series of copolymers of SPA and oligo(ethylene oxide) monoacrylate monomer (OEOA) (Mn = 480 g/mol). Thermal analysis, including thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry, revealed the influence of SPA content on copolymer weight loss profile and OEOA side chain crystallization/melting. Copolymers exhibited good water solubility owing to the hydrophilic OEOA side chain. Solution rheology unveiled a shear-thickening effect related to the SPA pendent group and revealed the solution viscosity dependence on polymer concentration in aqueous solutions. In water, the designed spiropyran-containing polymers displayed photoreversibility and exhibited high photo-fatigue resistance with >90% of UV–vis absorbance preserved after five cycles. Preliminary Cu2+ complexation studies with SPA-co-OEOA copolymers indicated 88% removal of Cu2+ after UV irradiation, which suggests opportunities as light-responsive polymers for Cu2+ removal.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number125827
JournalPolymer
Volume272
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 17 2023

Keywords

  • Photoreversible polymer
  • Polymer-metal complexation
  • Spiropyran water-soluble polymer

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Organic Chemistry
  • Polymers and Plastics
  • Materials Chemistry

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Spiropyran-containing water-soluble and photoreversible copolymers'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this