CRC TRR 61 A04 - Synthesis and self-assembly of zeolite-polymer-conjugates

Basic data for this project

Type of project: Subproject in DFG-joint project hosted at University of Münster
Duration: 06/06/2008 - 31/05/2012 | 1st Funding period

Description

Zeolite L crystals will be prepared and chemically modified by covalent attachment of polymerization initiators. Subsequent surface initiated controlled radical polymerization will lead to zeolite L polymer conjugates. As polymerization method the nitroxide mediated radical polymerization will be used. The zeolites will be loaded with various dyes. Importantly, the dyes within the zeolite pores are protected towards oxidative degradation and the polymer coat will render the crystals soluble in various solvents depending on the structure of the polymer. Hence, the modified dye loaded crystals should find applications as novel pigments in the dye industry. In addition, site specific attachment of polymerization initiators at the pore entrances of the zeolite crystals and subsequent surface initiated polymerization will eventually afford zeolite polymer conjugates bearing the polymers at the pore entrances exclusively. The coat of the zeolite conjugates will be free of any organic material. The self-assembly process of the site specifically modified zeolite polymer conjugates will be investigated. Orientation of the zeolite conjugates via self-assembly will also lead to an orientation of the dyes buried within the unidirectionally oriented pores of zeolite L. By combining different dyes possessing different orientations, the color of the material should change with the angle of the incident light. Orientation of the zeolite conjugates will also be investigated by physical scratching of films of zeolite polymer conjugates.

Keywords: zeolite-polymer-conjugates; Zeolite L crystals; self-assembly processes; polymerization method; nitroxide mediated radical polymerization