Graphite Oxide as an Olefin Polymerization Carbocatalyst: Applications in Electrochemical Double Layer Capacitors

Abstract

Graphite oxide (GO) is shown to be an effi cient heterogeneous catalyst for the polymerization of various olefi n monomers, including n-butyl vinyl ether, N -vinylcarbazole, styrene, and sodium 4-styrenesulfonate. The GO-catalyzed polymerization of n-butyl vinyl ether (0.1-5.0 wt% GO relative to monomer) proceeds rapidly under solvent-free conditions and affords polymers with moderate number average molecular weights and broad polydispersities. Analysis of the carbon recovered at the conclusion of the polymerization reactions reveals that the material's catalytic activity is retained and multiple polymerization cycles can be performed without regenerating the catalyst. GO also catalyzes the polymerization of N -vinylcarbazole and styrene, although only low molecular weight polymers are obtained. Sodium 4-styrenesulfonate polymerizes in the presence of GO to afford poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate) (PSS) composites. After thermal treatment, the composites can be fabricated into electrodes for use in electrochemical double layer capacitors (EDLCs). The devices display high specifi c capacitances (25-120 F g − 1 ) and low equivalent series resistances (14-27 Ω).

Doped Graphene as a Metal‐Free Carbocatalyst for the Selective Aerobic Oxidation of Benzylic Hydrocarbons, Cyclooctane and Styrene

“…Furthermore, when the same experiment was performed with GO as the catalyst, 19 % styrene conversion was observed, although the products did not result from oxidation, but the di‐ and oligomerization of styrene, as evidenced by GC‐MS analysis. Recent precedents reported in the literature by Bielawski and co‐workers are in agreement with this catalytic activity of GO, because these authors have shown the remarkable ability of GO to promote styrene oligo‐ and polymerization 43–45. In contrast to these results, an analogous sample of GO obtained by the same procedure had been found previously to act as a carbocatalyst for the aerobic oxidation of benzyl alcohol,24 although much larger amounts were employed than in the reaction here.…”

A New Insight of Graphene oxide-Fe(III) Complex Photochemical Behaviors under Visible Light Irradiation

“…This phenomenon has drawn considerable attention because of its crucial role in the carbon19 and iron20 cycles. GO is transparent and functions as a solid state Lewis acid (p K a  = 3–4) in water because of its carboxyl groups21222324. Thus, the photochemical behavior of the material combining GO with Fe 3+ in aqueous environment is particularly interesting and has not been studied yet.…”

Coupling pattern and efficacy of organofunctional silanes in wood flour-filled polypropylene or polyethylene composites

“…4,5 Modification of the plastic is also an option, for instance grafting maleic anhydride onto the plastic chains enhances their polarity and/or chemical reactivity toward wood cell wall polymers. 3,[6][7][8][9] Silane coupling agents may create interfacial adhesion at the surface of various phases and have been extensively used in composites. 10,11 Organofunctional silanes have a generic chemical structure, R n -Si-(R 0 X) (4-n) , where R is alkoxy, X represents an organofunctionality, and R 0 is an alkyl bridge (or alkyl spacer) connecting the silicon atom and the organofunctionality.…”