Emulsion-directed Synthesis of Poly-Porphyrin Nanoparticles as Heterogeneous Photocatalysts for PET-RAFT Polymerization.

Heterogeneous photocatalysts have attracted extensive attention in photo-induced electron transfer-reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (PET-RAFT) polymerization due to their remarkable advantages such as easy preparation, tunable photoelectric properties and recyclability. In this study, zinc (II) 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-aminophenyl)porphyrin (ZnTAPP)-based poly-porphyrin nanoparticles (PTAPP-Zn) are constructed by an emulsion-directed approach. It was investigated as a heterogeneous photocatalyst for PET-RAFT polymerization of various methacrylate monomers under visible light exposure, and the reactions showed refined polymerization control with high monomer conversions. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that the PTAPP-Zn nanoparticles with the larger pore size had enhanced photocatalytic activity in PET-RAFT polymerization. In addition, the capabilities of oxygen tolerance and temporal control were demonstrated and PTAPP-Zn particles can be easily recycled and reused without an obvious decrease in catalytic efficiency. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.