Interfacial Synthesis of an Ultrathin Two-Dimensional Polymer Film via [2+2] Photocycloaddition

A carbon-carbon-linked, ultrathin, two-dimensional (2D) polymer film was prepared at the air/water interface through photochemically triggered [2 + 2] cycloaddition. The preorganization of the monomers on the water surface and the subsequent photo-polymerization led to the successful preparation of the ultrathin 2D polymer film. The obtained film is continuous, free standing, and has a large area (over 50 mu m(2)). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) give clear evidence of the ultrathin film morphology. Raman spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) indicate successful photo-induced [2 + 2] polymerization.

Automated summary

A carbon-carbon-linked, ultrathin, two-dimensional (2D) polymer film was successfully prepared at the air/water interface through photochemically induced [2 + 2] cycloaddition. The film exhibited continuity and free-standing properties with a large area. Characterization techniques including transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) confirmed the ultrathin film morphology, while Raman spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) verified the successful photo-induced [2 + 2] polymerization.