Title: 

Intrinsically Porous Organic Polymers in Sensing and Catalysis

Abstract: 

I will discuss the concept of fusing rigid 3D molecular building blocks into polymer backbones as a mechanism to create space between polymers. The first systems were conjugated poly(phenylene ethynylene)s with pentiptycene groups, which displayed robust emissive properties in thin films. These systems demonstrated size exclusion properties, amplified sensory responses as a result of excitonic transport, and led to the commercialization of the FidoTM explosives detectors, which 20 years after their introduction remain the most sensitive portable explosives sensors produced. The critical design principle that the 3D group must be fused within the polymer rather than simply be pendant has become a robust design principle and is fundamental to the design intrinsically porous organic polymers. We have a continuing interest in intrinsically porous polymeric materials, and I will detail our most recent emissive sensors for perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that make use of excitonic transport to create high (ppt) sensitivity. Excitonic transport and the semiconducting properties of these materials need not be limited to sensing applications, and I will detail our demonstrations of the extension to photoredox catalysis. The combination of excitonic and charge (electrons or holes) transport is demonstrated to provide enhanced rates and higher efficiency in these processes.  Catalytic porous organic polymers represent a new approach to heterogenous catalysis; therein the molecular environment can be tailored to meet or exceed the selectivity and activity of homogenous systems. Moreover, they enable the formation of durable catalysis coatings on the surfaces of impellers, glassware, magnetic particles, or tubing for recycling and use in flow reactors.  In addition to photoredox, methods, I will briefly introduce catalytic polymers containing palladium that allow for high activities (>200,000 turnovers/metal center).