Stephen M. Budy

Photoluminescence and ion sensing properties of a bipyridyl chromophore-modified semifluorinated polymer and its metallopolymer derivatives

A difluorovinylene aromatic ether polymer (P1) incorporating periodic 5,5′-distyryl-2,2′-bipyridyl units as metal chelating chromophores was prepared by a transition metal-free step-growth polymerization. P1 displays strong ionochromic and ionoluminescent effects in response to transition metals. Although significant emission quenching is observed upon exposure to most transition metal ions, bathochromically shifted emission is observed upon addition of divalent d10 ions (Zn2+, Cd2+ and Hg2+). A selective 10-fold increase in integrated emission intensity is observed upon addition of Zn2+ to P1. The Zn2+-P1 metallopolymer acts as a ratiometric fluorescent indicator selective for fluoride anions, and the Cu2+-P1 metallopolymer exhibits a striking turn-on fluorescence response (>100-fold increase in integrated intensity) selective for cyanide and fluoride anions.

Facile preparation of fluorovinylene aryl ether telechelic polymers with dual functionality for thermal chain extension and tandem crosslinking

New fluorovinylene aromatic ether polymers, possessing dual reactivity, have been successfully prepared via the step-growth polymerization of commercial bis(trifluorovinyl) aromatic ethers and bisphenols.

Perfluorinated polymer colloids: controlling the size, shape, and surface charge.

The first report of perfluorocyclobutyl (PFCB) aryl ether polymer colloids is presented herein. The biphenyl rings were post-functionalized with chlorosulfonic acid modification in the backbone of the perfluoropolymer, thereby changing the zeta potential (ζ) of the colloids across the pH range (2-12). Self-assembly of the colloids was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) on four separate surfaces which led to different morphological changes for each surface; spherical on Al substrate, clover-like on Cr substrate, flower-like on carbon substrate, and squalloid on Si substrate.