Atomic-Scale Imaging of Polymers and Precision Molecular Weight Analysis
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Polymer design requires fine control over syntheses and a thorough understanding of their macromolecular structure. Herein, near-atomic level imaging of polymers is achieved, enabling the precise determination of one of the most important macromolecular characteristics: molecular weight. By judiciously designing and synthesizing different linear metal(loid)-rich homopolymers, subnanoscale polymer imaging is achieved through annular dark field-scanning transmission electron microscopy (ADF-STEM), owing to the incorporation of high Z atoms in the side chain of the monomeric units. The molecular weight of these polymers can be precisely determined by detecting and counting their metal(loid) atoms upon ADF-STEM imaging, at sample concentrations as low as 10 mu g mL-1. Notably, a commonly used C, H, and O-containing polymer (i.e., poly(methyl acrylate)) that was thus far inaccessible at the atomic scale is derivatized to allow for subnano-level imaging, thus expanding the scope of our approach toward the atomic-level visualization of commodity polymers.
Authors: Marathianos, Arkadios, Magiakos, Alexandros, Han, Yisong, Sanchez, Ana, Whitfield, Richard, Kammerer, Jochen, Anastasaki, Athina, Wilson, Paul, Patterson, Joseph P., Barner-Kowollik, Christopher, Liarou, Evelina
Language: English
Subfield: Structural Biology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W6966113646
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