Abstract
A light-responsive brush was obtained by surface-initiated ATRP of a methacrylate monomer containing ionizable −COOH side groups caged with the photoremovable group 4,5-dimethoxy-2-nitrobenzyl (NVOC). In the caged form, the polymer brush (PNVOCMA) is neutral and hydrophobic due to the presence of the aromatic chromophore. Upon irradiation the NVOC group is removed and a polyanion (polymethacrylic acid, PMAA) chain is generated. The charged brush can swell and collapse depending on the pH and the exposure dose (i.e., uncaging degree). The behavior and properties of the brush layer for different photoconversion degrees were studied. On the basis of quartz crystal microbalance measurements, a threshold of 50% uncaging was identified in order to achieve significant swelling and pH response of the brush. Between 50 and 80% the photoconversion the response of the brush could be light-modulated. For photoconversions >80% only small changes in the response were detectable. X-ray reflectivity (XRR) and scanning fo...
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
