Stereoregulation, molecular weight, and dispersity control of PMMA synthesized via free-radical polymerization supported by the external high electric field.

We show the remarkable effect of using static (DC) and alternating (AC) electric fields to control the free-radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA). The magnitude and/or frequency of the applied electric field (up to 154 kV cm -1 ) were found to control the molecular weight, dispersity, and stereochemistry of the produced polymers.