报告题目：From Precision and Catalytic Polymer Syntheses to Supramolecular Nanocrystal Stereocomplexes and Recyclable Sustainable Polymers

报告人：Eugene Y.-X. Chen教授

Department of Chemistry, The Center for Sustainable Monomers and Polymers

Colorado State University

报告时间：2016年9月7日(星期三)下午3:30

报告地点：无机超分子楼二楼圆形报告厅

报告摘要：

Living polymerization methods are common nowadays, but a precision polymer synthesis method that is not only living but also chemoselective and stereoselective is rare. Such an advanced precision polymer synthesis method is especially desirable for many polar vinyl monomers, as it can simultaneously control the polymer architecture, functionality, and microstructure during such polymer synthesis, thus producing novel polymer structures inaccessible by other methods. In this context, this presentation will describe our recent and on-going efforts to develop the precision (living, chemoselective, and stereoselective) polymerization method for polymerizing polar vinyl and multi-vinyl monomers and utilize this method to construct robust crosslinked supramolecular nanostructured stereocomplexes through self-assembling stereocomplexation between diastereomeric polymer chains carrying functional side chains.

The current industrial recycling of plastics is largely ineffective, which resulted in an environmentally disastrous scenario: ~31 and ~25 million tons of plastic trash get thrown into the Earth’s landfills and oceans each year, respectively. In a business-as-usual scenario, by 2050 the ocean is expected to contain more plastics than fish (by weight). The development of biodegradable polymers or plastics is part of the solution but not the ultimate solution, as no feedstock is recovered. An emerging frontier in tackling this global environmental issue is the design and synthesis of recyclable sustainable polymers that can be completely depolymerized back to their monomers thermally, mechanically, or chemically, the recovered building blocks of which can then be reused to produce virgin quality polymers. To this end, this lecture will present our recent efforts in developing truly sustainable polymers that are not only biorenewable and degradable but also recyclable and accessible via a greener process, thereby achieving the desired circular economy and also eliminating the plastic trash.

报告人简介：

Eugene Chen earned his Ph.D. degree from The University of Massachusetts, Amherst, in 1995, under the direction of Profs. James Chien (Polymer Science & Engineering) and late Marvin Rausch (Chemistry). After a postdoctoral stint at Northwestern University with Prof. Tobin J. Marks, he joined The Dow Chemical Company in late 1997, where he was promoted from Sr. Research Chemist to Project Leader. He moved to Colorado State University in August 2000, where he is Professor of chemistry, adjunct Professor of the College of Engineering, the Millennial Professor of Polymer Science and Sustainability, and the Director of the Center for sustainable monomers and polymers.

His current research is focused on polymer science, green & sustainable chemistry, renewable energy, and catalytic chemistry. Selected honors and awards include: Special Recognition Award for Outstanding Technical Contributions, Dow Chemical; Research Fellow, Alfred P. Sloan Foundation; Excellence in Commercialization Award, Colorado Cleantech Industry Association; Elected fellow, American Association for the Advancement of Science; and the 2015 Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award, Environmental Protection Agency and American Chemical Society.

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