Michael W. Pitcher

Facile Synthesis of Poly(hydridocarbyne): A Precursor to Diamond and Diamond‐like Ceramics

Polycarbynes have previously been shown to be polymeric precursors to diamond and diamond‐like carbon. Here, we report an incredibly simple method for producing one of these polymers, poly(hydridocarbyne). The method simply requires chloroform, electricity, a solvent and an electrolyte. Since the polymer is soluble, the production of diamond objects of any shape is feasible. It is hoped that the ease of the synthesis will make these types of polymers accessible to scientists from all disciplines and that the potential applications for this material, which range from electrical to biomedical, are finally realized.

Recent Advances in the Synthesis and Applications of Inorganic Polymer

Polymers are ubiquitous in modern society. They are used in a variety of applications, ranging from sophisticated—such as electronics—to relatively simple ones like packaging. Inorganic polymers often have certain advantages over their organic counterparts—such as increased thermal stability and unique material properties—and have been an active area of research for many years. The potential technological applications that are imagined for some of these polymers, however, have mostly failed to be realized. This article aims to examine some of the advances in the general field of inorganic polymers, which have been made in the last three years. We also attempted to ascertain whether the promise of these materials will be realized in the near future, especially as advanced polymeric materials.

Poly(hydridocarbyne) as Highly Processable Insulating Polymer Precursor to Micro/Nanostructures and Graphite Conductors

Carbon-based electronic materials have received much attention since the discovery and elucidation of the properties of the nanotube, fullerene allotropes, and conducting polymers. Amorphous carbon, graphite, graphene, and diamond have also been the topics of intensive research. In accordance with this interest, we herein provide the details of a novel and facile method for synthesis of poly(hydridocarbyne) (PHC), a preceramic carbon polymer reported to undergo a conversion to diamond-like carbon (DLC) upon pyrolysis and also provide electrical characterization after low-temperature processing and pyrolysis of this material. The results indicate that the strongly insulating polymer becomes notably conductive in bulk form upon heating and contains interspersed micro- and nanostructures, which are the subject of ongoing research.

Poly(Hydridocarbyne) as Highly Processable Insulating Polymer Precursor to Micro/Nanostructures and Graphite Conductors

Carbon-based electronic materials have received much attention since the discovery and elucidation of the properties of the nanotube and fullerene allotropes and conducting polymers. Amorphous carbon, graphite, graphene, and diamond have also been the topics of intensive research. In accordance with this interest we herein provide the details of a novel and facile method for synthesis of poly(hydridocarbyne) (PHC), a pre-ceramic carbon polymer reported to undergo a conversion to diamond-like carbon (DLC) upon pyrolysis and also provide electrical characterization after low-temperature processing and pyrolysis of this material. The results indicate that the strongly insulating polymer becomes notably conductive in bulk form upon heating and contains interspersed micro and nanostructures which are the subject of ongoing research.

FORMATION OF METASTABLE VATERITE CRYSTALS IN A POLYMER MATRIX BY GASEOUS DIFFUSION

A composite consisting of a polymer and calcium carbonate has been synthesized by allowing carbon dioxide to diffuse into a poly(ethylene oxide) film containing a source of calcium ions. The X-ray pattern of the synthetic composite material shows that the least thermodynamically stable polymorph of calcium carbonate, vaterite is the mineral phase which is formed, rather than the most thermodynamically stable calcite phase. This effect has been seen in other reports of crystallization of inorganic phases which have been mediated by a polymer matrix and/or other organic moieties. In this paper, some possible explanations are presented which may help explain this phenomenon.

A Simple One-Pot Synthesis of Methyltribromosilane

A simple one-pot synthesis of methyltribromosilane has been developed. The straightforward reaction of a slight excess of silicon tetrabromide with one equivalent of powdered methyllithium in refluxing pentane produces methyltribromosilane in high yields.