Synthesis of photochemically driven polymeric network formation
Polymeric networks have been intensely investigated and a large number of applications have been found in areas ranging from biomedicine to materials science.
Network fabrication via light-induced reactions is a particularly powerful tool, since light provides ready access to temporal and spatial control, opening an array of synthetic access routes for structuring the network geometry as well as functionality.
Compilation of light-induced modular reactions
Herein, researchers have collated the most recent light-induced modular reactions and their use in the formation of precision polymeric networks. The synthetic strategies including photoinduced thiol-based reactions, Diels-Alder systems, and photogenerated reactive dipoles, as well as photodimerisations, are discussed in detail. Importantly, applications of the fabricated networks via the aforementioned reactions are highlighted with selected examples. Concomitantly, the scientists provide future directions for the field, emphasising the most critically required advances.
The study is published in: Advanced Materials.
