High Molecular Weight Poly(methyl methacrylate) Synthesis Using Recyclable and Reusable Zeolitic Imidazole Framework-8 Catalyst

Here, one-step synthesis of high molecular weight poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA; 1000–1650 kg mol⁻¹) is reported by using zeolitic imidazole framework-8 (ZIF-8) catalyst without any co-catalyst in the absence of a solvent. This type of high molecular weight PMMA has different applications, mainly in gel polymer electrolyte and bone cement. Zwitterionic type mechanism is proposed where the active acid site of the catalyst dominates for initiation of polymerization. Without any significance loss of structural morphology and catalytic activity, ZIF-8 can easily be recycled for further uses. ZIF-8 exhibits superior activities for the synthesis of high molecular weight PMMA compared to the heterogeneous catalysts mentioned earlier.