Doctoral Dissertations
Expanding Polymer Chemical Space Utilizing Fischer Carbenes, Brown Allylations, and Electrochemistry
Date of Award
12-2022
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy
Major
Chemistry
Major Professor
Johnathan N. Brantley
Committee Members
Michael D. Best, Brian K. Long, Gila E. Stein
Abstract
Polymers have become ubiquitous in our everyday lives, and their various properties (which arise from the functional motifs found within the material) have helped them find a number of applications. Tuning material properties can be achieved either through polymerizing unique monomers with distinct chemical (or structural) elements, or post-polymerization modifications (which require the development of new synthetic methodologies). The research reported herein aims to address both of these grand challenges in materials science. We explore how the incorporation of metal and metalloid fragments affects polymer synthesis and bulk material properties, as well as how these synthetic handles can be subsequently engaged through further chemical transformation. Beyond this, we have developed a new electrochemical methodology that enables both functionalization and degradation of various polymeric substrates. These studies have allowed for the exploration of new chemical space in polymer science, as well as presented new platforms by which structure-property relationships can be interrogated.
Recommended Citation
Kyker, Breana J., "Expanding Polymer Chemical Space Utilizing Fischer Carbenes, Brown Allylations, and Electrochemistry. " PhD diss., University of Tennessee, 2022.
https://trace.tennessee.edu/utk_graddiss/7712