Electrochemically mediated atom transfer radical polymerization

Electrochemical reduction of an exemplary ATRP catalyst, CuIIBr2/Me6TREN, is shown to be an efficient process to mediate and execute an ATRP. The onset of polymerization occurs only through passage of a cathodic current achieved under a reductive potential to form CuIBr2/Me6TREN, within the reaction medium. Unprecedented control over the polymerization kinetics can be attained through electrochemical methods by modulating the magnitude of the applied potential allowing polymerization rate enhancement or retardation. Additional polymerization control is gained through electrochemical “dials” allowing polymerization rate enhancements achieved by larger applied potentials and the ability to successfully switch a polymerization “on” and “off” between dormant and active states by application of multistep intermittent potentials.