Photoinduced Controlled Radical Polymerizations Performed in Flow: Methods, Products, and Opportunities†

TLDR: The utility and promise of photo-CRP approaches are highlighted through an overview of the adaptation of these methodologies to photo-flow reactor systems, with special emphasis on the current state-of-the-art in polymerization scalability, reactor design, and polymer scope.

Abstract: Photoinduced controlled radical polymerizations (CRPs) have provided a variety of approaches for the synthesis of polymers possessing targeted structures, compositions, and functionalities with the added capability for spatial and temporal control, presenting the potential for new materials development. However, the scalability and reliability of these systems can be limited as a consequence of dependence on uniform irradiation of the reaction to produce well-defined products. In this perspective, we highlight the utility and promise of photo-CRP approaches through an overview of the adaptation of these methodologies to photo-flow reactor systems. Special emphasis is placed on the current state-of-the-art in polymerization scalability, reactor design, and polymer scope.