Development of Phenanthroline-Based Photoinitiating Systems for Eco-Friendly Reactions in Photopolymerization and 3D Printing

• Grant number: 25/04536-0
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: June 01, 2025
• End date: May 31, 2028
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Beatriz Eleutério Goi Carvalho
• Grantee: Beatriz Eleutério Goi Carvalho
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia (FCT). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Presidente Prudente. Presidente Prudente , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Carla Cristina Schmitt Cavalheiro ; Jacques Lalevée ; Luiz Carlos da Silva Filho ; Valdemiro Pereira de Carvalho Júnior

Abstract

The project aims to develop sustainable photoinitiator systems for photopolymerization reactions aligned with green chemistry principles. The focus is on creating new, low-cost photoinitiators based on metal complexes such as Mn(II), Fe(II), Co(II), and Ni(II), coordinated with ligands derived from phenanthroline. These systems will be applied in controlled radical photopolymerization, epoxidation (cationic photopolymerization), and photodepolymerization. The project seeks to use renewable sources, such as vegetable oils, to replace materials derived from bisphenol A (BPA) and promote reactions under more sustainable conditions, such as low temperatures and the absence of solvents. Additionally, the possibility of controlled photodepolymerization for recycling or reuse of monomers will be explored. The methodology involves the synthesis and characterization of ligands and metal complexes, as well as the evaluation of their photochemical and photoelectrochemical properties. The efficiency of the photoinitiator systems will be analyzed in photopolymerization reactions under LED irradiation, and the reaction kinetics will be monitored using techniques such as UV-Vis, GPC, and FTIR. The project will also investigate the potential for photodepolymerization to selectively degrade polymers. With the goal of advancing more sustainable and efficient processes, the project contributes to the development of new polymer materials and the sustainable cycle of polymer production and degradation. (AU)