Synthesis of bifunctional photorefractive polymers with net gain: Design strategy amenable to combinatorial optimization [1]

A synthesis strategy that creates bifunctional polymers and leads to photorefractive materials, with net gain, derived from simple siloxane polymers and platinum catalyzed hydrosilation chemistry is demonstrated. This synthesis strategy pivots on the platinum-catalyzed hydrosilation of olefins with poly(hydromethyl)siloxane. With its inherent benefits, it is expected that the design strategy will go far beyond the development and optimization of photorefractive materials. In particular, libraries of siloxane-based polymer grafts as catalysts, sensors, and materials are anticipated.