High-pressure synthesis of crystalline polyethylene using optical catalysis

摘要: Polymerization processes are probably the most relevant example of a chemical reaction activated by catalysts or radical initiators. Among polymers, polyethylene is far common and largely produced. Here we present high-pressure synthesis high-density crystalline using only physical tools such as pressure light. Low-density obtained compressing ethylene at room temperature above 3 GPa in ordered crystal phase, highly polymer produced fluid phase pressures lower than 1 continuous-wave laser lines (lambda < = 460 nm) an optical catalyst. The photo-activation based on two-photon absorption process to pi* antibonding states, where change molecular geometry favours polymeric chain formation. high yield crystallinity recovered photoinduced simplicity make this appealing for large-scale applications.