CO2 responsive polymeric materials: synthesis, self assembly, and functional applications.
CO2 is an ideal trigger for switchable or stimuli responsive materials because it is benign, inexpensive, green, abundant, and does not accumulate in the system. Many different CO2 responsive materials including polymers, latexes, solvents, solutes, gels, surfactants, and catalysts have been prepared. This review focuses on the preparation, self assembly, and functional applications of CO2 responsive polymers. Detailed discussion is provided on the synthesis of CO2 responsive polymers, in particular using reversible deactivation radical polymerization (RDRP) formerly known as controlled/living radical polymerization (CLRP) a powerful technique for the preparation of well defined (co)polymers with precise control over molecular weight distribution, chain end functional groups, and polymer architectural design. Self assembly in aqueous dispersed media is highlighted as well as emerging potential applications.
Chemical Society reviews