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Selective branch formation in ethylene polymerization to access precise ethylene-propylene copolymers

Author

Listed:
  • Yuxing Zhang

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Science and Technology of China)

  • Xiaohui Kang

    (Dalian Medical University)

  • Zhongbao Jian

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Science and Technology of China)

Abstract

Polyolefins with branches produced by ethylene alone via chain walking are highly desired in industry. Selective branch formation from uncontrolled chain walking is a long-standing challenge to generate exclusively branched polyolefins, however. Here we report such desirable microstructures in ethylene polymerization by using sterically constrained α-diimine nickel(II)/palladium(II) catalysts at 30 °C–90 °C that fall into industrial conditions. Branched polyethylenes with exclusive branch pattern of methyl branches (99%) and notably selective branch distribution of 1,4-Me2 unit (86%) can be generated. The ultrahigh degree of branching (>200 Me/1000 C) enables the well-defined product to mimic ethylene-propylene copolymers. More interestingly, branch distribution is predictable and computable by using a simple statistical model of p(1-p)n (p: the probability of branch formation). Mechanistic insights into the branch formation including branch pattern and branch distribution by an in-depth density functional theory (DFT) calculation are elucidated.

Suggested Citation

  • Yuxing Zhang & Xiaohui Kang & Zhongbao Jian, 2022. "Selective branch formation in ethylene polymerization to access precise ethylene-propylene copolymers," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 13(1), pages 1-9, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:13:y:2022:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-022-28282-z
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-28282-z
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    Cited by:

    1. Chen Zou & Quan Wang & Guifu Si & Changle Chen, 2023. "A co-anchoring strategy for the synthesis of polar bimodal polyethylene," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-9, December.

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