Free-Radical Polymerization Induced Grafting-to of Polymer Chains onto Aluminum Nanoparticles†

Aluminum nanoparticles (Al NPs) have significant potential applications in various fields due to their unique LSPR. Significant advancements have been achieved in controlling the size and morphology of Al NPs. However, the efficient modification of Al NPs with polymers has not been implemented. Herein, we report a facile and efficient free-radical polymerization induced grafting-to (FRPIGt) method for grafting polymer chains onto Al NPs. By optimizing polymerization conditions, we were able to achieve a polymer brush layer with a weight loss fraction of up to 43.3%, which was higher than those of other polymers with carboxyl or primary amine end groups. Moreover, a broad range of vinyl monomers, including styrene, methacrylate, and methyl methacrylate, can be applied using the FRPIGt method to modify Al NPs. In addition, the FRPIGt method can be extended to photoinduced organocatalyzed atom-transfer-radical polymerization. This work paves a new path for the preparation of a wide range of polymer-functionalized Al NPs and their polymer composites to be utilized in various fields.