This Project Grant award of $589,493 from the National Science Foundation's (NSF) Mathematical and Physical Sciences program supports the development of a new method for controlling polymer dispersity using light to mediate the chemical reactivity of polymer chain-ends at Stony Brook University. The research project aims to establish a deterministic approach for photoswitchable regulation of polymer dispersity and apply it to the synthesis of block copolymers. Key focus areas include studying the mechanism for photocontrol over dispersity in cationic vinyl ether polymerizations, investigating the materials properties of the resulting block copolymers, and expanding the concept to other controlled polymerization reactions. The project results have the potential to significantly impact various fields by enabling enhanced molecular control over polymer properties. The award also includes efforts to integrate the research with educational activities, such as developing curriculum materials in collaboration with the New York State Master Chemistry Teacher's Program.
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