Recent progress in nitroxide-mediated polymerizations in miniemulsion

Recent developments in nitroxide-mediated polymerizations conducted in emulsion and miniemulsion have advanced the field across a range of both experimental and theoretical fronts. This article reviews progress in bicomponent initiating systems (including use of camphorsulfonic acid to enhance rate), unimolecular initiating systems, miniemulsions not requiring the use of volatile costabilizers, polymerization of acrylates, mathematical modeling and simulation, and theoretical understanding with regards to issues such as compartmentalization, preservation of polymer chain livingness, the role of aqueous phase kinetics and phase partitioning. These topics are discussed and analyzed to present an integrated portrait of the current status of nitroxide-mediated polymerizations in emulsion/miniemulsion and to identify the most pressing concerns, issues, and opportunities.