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Sumerlin Research Group

Research

We focus on the synthesis and development of polymers with well-defined functionality, composition, and molecular architecture, employing basic organic transformations to create, functionalize, and deconstruct new macromolecular materials. 

Methodology to Materials

Polymerization Methodology
Continuous flow synthesis of ultra-high molecular weight polymers.
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Chemical diagram of controlled radical polymerization.

Polymerization Methodology

Through precision synthesis via controlled polymerization, we create macromolecules with well-defined features. We focus on developing new polymerization routes to achieve polymers with exceptional control over molecular weight, functionality, and architecture. We have advanced chain polymerization techniques to attain ultra-high molecular weights previously thought unreachable, developed new routes to graft polymers from proteins, and utilized unique organic transformations to develop distinctive step-growth polymers.

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For examples, see:

Polymer Transformations

We leverage fundamental advances in organic synthesis to introduce functionality and create polymers that are not easily synthesized by other means. Highly efficient post-polymerization modification is essential to incorporate functionalities that are difficult to include in monomers, initiators, or chain transfer agents. Many chemical transformations used in organic synthesis lack the efficiency and orthogonality required for functionalizing high molecular weight macromolecules. Consequently, our group has dedicated significant effort to developing organic methodologies for functional polymer synthesis.

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For examples, see:

Diagram of polymer modification and degradation via electron transfer
Chemical diagram of polymer degradation research process
Chemical research on transamidation of tertiary amides.
Polymer Transformations
Self-Assembly
Diagram of in-situ generation of gradient blocks via self-assembly.
LPTEM imaging of microemulsion, ripening, and phase separation.
Diagram of PISA and dilution research for polymer particles.

Macromolecular Self-Assembly

The ability to prepare block copolymers with segments of varying solubility enables us to investigate self-assembly as a mechanism to create polymer nanoparticles for applications in drug delivery, coatings, energy, and self-healing materials. By precisely controlling the molecular weight, functionality, and architecture of these block copolymers, we can tune the size and shape of the supramolecular assemblies in predictable ways. Our research has demonstrated that self-assembly is not merely an end goal, but a process that can be exploited to achieve synthetic outcomes unattainable under homogeneous conditions. Thus, self-assembly serves as a powerful tool driving innovative synthesis.

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For examples, see:

Novel Materials & Applications

Our ability to prepare well-defined polymers with controlled macromolecular features enables us to target diverse materials for applications in medicine, defense, energy, and sustainability. We have developed polymers that mimic natural biomacromolecules and deliver small-molecule therapeutics at controlled rates or specific locations in vivo. Our research also focuses on thermally conductive polymers and self-healing materials. Importantly, we leverage fundamental polymer chemistry to address the plastics waste problem by developing innovative routes for polymer degradation and depolymerization.

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For examples, see:

Diagram showing polymer waste conversion to recovered monomer.
SCULPTing research: Skew Customization by Unzipping Layered Polymer Traces
Diagram of nanoparticle-catalyzed vitrimer flow research
Diagram showing tunability through macromolecular topology.
Materials and Applications
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