Metallized Phosphane–Ene Polymer Networks as Precursors for Ceramics with Excellent Shape Retention

Our research group has reported the
synthesis of phosphane–ene
photopolymer networks, where the networks are composed of cross-linked
tertiary alkyl phosphines. Taking advantage of the rich coordination
chemistry of alkyl phosphines and the material’s susceptibility
to solution chemistry, we were able to generate Co, Al, and Ge macromolecular
adducts. The metallized polymer networks can be pyrolyzed to make
metal-doped carbon, commodity materials in the areas of battery, and
fuel cell research. The polymer precursors can also be shaped by spin
coating and lithography, before being metallized and pyrolyzed to
give patterned ceramics, which display excellent shape retention of
the original patterns.