Article
Chemistry, Physical
Javid Abdurahim, Christophe A. Serra, Madeline Vauthier
Summary: In this study, different types of polymeric nanoparticles, including blend-type with two hydrophobic polymers and Janus type with hydrophobic and hydrophilic parts, were successfully produced using an emulsification elongational-flow microprocess. The effect of material and process parameters on nanoparticles' characteristics were thoroughly studied and particles with controlled sizes and size distribution were achieved.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES A-PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND ENGINEERING ASPECTS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Damien Rasselet, Monica Francesca Pucci, Anne-Sophie Caro-Bretelle, Jose-Marie Lopez-Cuesta, Aurelie Taguet
Summary: This study reveals the potential of achieving unique morphologies by adding fumed silica into PLA/PA11 blends, with A200 silica localized in the PA11 phase and R805 silica at the PLA/PA11 interface. Frequency sweep tests confirmed the high dispersion of A200 in PLA and R805 in PA11.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Shu Kikuchi, Ryoka Shoji, Shinji Kanehashi, Guanghui Ma, Kenji Ogino
Summary: Hierarchical nanostructures in polymer blends consisting of PBTPA, PMMA, and PBTPA-b-PMMA were fabricated using a solvent evaporation method. The morphology was influenced by the molecular weight and chemical composition of PBTPA-b-PMMA, molecular weights of homopolymers, and blend composition. The addition of PBTPA-b-PMMA caused a transition from core-shell to Janus or inversed core-shell structures, depending on the molecular weight of PBTPA segment. Watermelon-like particles were observed when the molecular weight of the PMMA segment was higher than that of the PMMA homopolymer. The interfacial tension between PBTPA and the aqueous phase was reduced by PBTPA-b-PMMA.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Fiona Ader, Esmail Sharifzadeh
Summary: This study investigated the effects of Janus and non-Janus silica nanoparticles on the rheological and mechanical properties of blend-based polymer nanocomposites. It was found that Janus nanoparticles were effective in improving the processibility and mechanical properties of the blend, but aggregation effects were more significant in the case of Janus nanoparticles located at the polymer/polymer interface.
COLLOID AND POLYMER SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Dukhan Kim, Emily A. Mueller, Da Seul Yang, Danielle E. Fagnani, Jinsang Kim, Anne J. McNeil
Summary: This study demonstrates that a single copolymer containing a conjugated poly(3-hexylthiophene) backbone and fullerene-functionalized side chains can serve as a general blend stabilizer, suppressing phase separation in multiple conjugated polymer/fullerene thin film blends as well as in a photovoltaic device.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2021)
Review
Polymer Science
Hai-Ling He, Fu-Xin Liang
Summary: Mixing two or more polymers to produce the polymer alloy is a versatile and cost-effective strategy for developing new polymeric materials. The compatibility between polymer components greatly influences the overall performance of polymer blends. Janus particles, a type of unique surface partitioned materials, can act as a novel interfacial compatibilizer for polymer blends, surpassing molecular compatibilizers in a wide range of polymer blends. This review mainly focuses on the effects of Janus nanofillers of different morphologies on the compatibilization of polymer blends, including spherical, snowman-like, and two-dimensional nanosheets. The impact of Janus particle compatibilization on phase morphologies, mechanical properties, and functionalities of polymer blends are discussed, providing guidance for the design of effective Janus particle compatibilizers for high-performance polymer blends.
CHINESE JOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Fatoumata Ide Seyni, Brian P. Grady
Summary: This review focuses on the applications of Janus particles in immiscible polymer blends, highlighting their advantages over other compatibilization techniques and potential for significant growth in the future. The overview includes discussions on strategies for compatibilizing immiscible polymer blends, synthesis techniques for producing Janus particles, and a comprehensive literature review on their use in this field.
COLLOID AND POLYMER SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Peng He, Minghao Yang, Yu Lei, Lei Guo, Yan Wang, Gang Wei
Summary: Designing functional membranes through the collaboration of multi-dimensional nanomaterials is proposed in this study. A facile and green synthetic strategy is presented, involving graphene oxide (GO), peptides, and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), for the synthesis of functional hybrid membranes with favorable antibacterial effects. The hybrid membranes are characterized and analyzed, and their excellent antibacterial performances are demonstrated through experiments.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Veronica Montes-Garcia, Paolo Samori
Summary: This article summarizes the recent research progress on Janus 2D materials, focusing on the unique properties and potential applications brought about by decorating both sides of the surfaces.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Zhan-Wei Li, Yu-Wei Sun, Yan-Hui Wang, You-Liang Zhu, Zhong-Yuan Lu, Zhao-Yan Sun
Summary: Using simple deformable triblock Janus colloids, increasing particle softness enhances the self-assembly and photonic bandgap performance of the structures. Direct pyrochlore lattices formed from overlapping soft particles exhibit larger photonic bandgaps than nonoverlapping structures, and proper overlap caused by softness can significantly improve the photonic properties of the structures.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Thossaporn Wijakmatee, Yusuke Shimoyama, Yasuhiko Orita
Summary: Combination of micro-flow processes between emulsification and supercritical fluid emulsion extraction was used to fabricate stable and uniform stearic acid lipid nanoparticles dispersed in aqueous solution.
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Quanyong Cheng, Jingyi Chen, Chuchu Wan, Yuhang Song, Caili Huang
Summary: This study reports a facile route to prepare Janus droplets and hydrogels via aqueous two-phase systems (ATPS). The Janus droplets with different morphologies can be well controlled by manipulating the concentrations of polymers on the phase diagram. The introduction of monomers and/or nanoparticles in ATPS droplets followed by photopolymerization enables the synthesis of Janus hydrogel particles with diverse functionalities.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Thiruchelvi Pulingam, Parisa Foroozandeh, Jo-Ann Chuah, Kumar Sudesh
Summary: This review article discusses the different methods employed for the production of polymeric nanoparticles (PNPs) and their physicochemical properties influenced by experimental parameters. The tailored characteristics of PNPs can be utilized as drug carriers for targeted therapies in hospitals for point-of-care diagnostics.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xi Chen, Zhangyan Chen, Li Ma, Zhengran Yi
Summary: Multi-stimuli-responsive Janus composite nanoparticles were successfully synthesized with the ability to transition between hydrophilic/amphiphilic/hydrophobic sides based on the external stimuli such as pH, temperature, and near-infrared irradiation. These nanoparticles can act as solid emulsifiers, allowing for easy control over the stability and microstructure of emulsions by adjusting external factors.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Ruoqi Chen, Hui Ma, Xinlei Ma, Tianhao Ai, Yuqiao Chai, Huanrong Zhang, Fengwang Li, Xusheng Wang, Chunhong Li, Junhui Ji, Mianqi Xue
Summary: Smart films, particularly smart Janus films based on thermoplastics, are essential components for smart devices. Traditional methods for preparing Janus films have limitations due to their high requirements and poor bonding forces. We developed a one-step solvent and antisolvent crystallization method to construct thermoplastics-based Janus films with excellent binding performance. By combining the optical and electrical properties of two-dimensional nanomaterials with the plasticity of thermoplastics, large-scale and low-cost intelligent thermoplastics can be created. Several proof-of-concept examples demonstrated the smart properties of these films, including plasticity, self-healing, reprocessibility, smart actuation, and recyclability, indicating a new direction for wearable devices.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yixuan Yin, Tan Liu, Beibei Wang, Bangqi Yin, Yang Yang, Thomas P. Russell, Shaowei Shi
Summary: By using the interfacial complexation of a polyelectrolyte (PE) and cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), a unique interfacial PE/CNC complex is demonstrated for stabilizing aqueous two-phase systems and fabricating all-aqueous double emulsions and 3D constructs.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xiaohui Meng, Yan Qiao, Changwoo Do, Wim Bras, Chunyong He, Yubin Ke, Thomas P. Russell, Dong Qiu
Summary: This research successfully achieved a hysteresis-free material by using a low-crosslink-density polyacrylamide hydrogel with hyperbranched silica nanoparticles. These resilient hydrogels exhibit fatigue-free characteristics under large deformations and can accurately detect dynamic deformations.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Tan Liu, Yixuan Yin, Yang Yang, Thomas P. Russell, Shaowei Shi
Summary: The immobilization of enzymes within microfluidic chips has proven to enhance biocatalysis and biomass conversion. A newly developed all-liquid microfluidic chip utilizes a layer-by-layer assembly strategy with polysaccharide multilayers to greatly improve mechanical properties of microchannels, creating a biocompatible environment for enzyme immobilization. This approach has been shown to enhance enzyme loading and catalytic efficiency in all-liquid microfluidic enzymatic and cascade reactors using horseradish peroxidase and glucose oxidase as model enzymes.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Beibei Wang, Bangqi Yin, Zhao Zhang, Yixuan Yin, Yang Yang, Haiqiao Wang, Thomas P. Russell, Shaowei Shi
Summary: By using the interactions between nanoparticles and polymeric ligands, nanoparticle surfactants can be generated at the liquid-liquid interface, increasing the binding energy. Through a simplified model, it is found that competitive ligands can reduce the binding energy, leading to the dissociation and disassembly of the surfactants at the interface and allowing the construction of responsive and reconfigurable all-liquid systems.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Shuyan Yang, Shuyan Yang, Yuri Osipov, Yuri Osipov, Chengyuan Xu, Chengyuan Xu, Liudmila Kuzmina, Liudmila Kuzmina, Thomas Russell, Thomas Russell, Pavel Bedrikovetsky, Pavel Bedrikovetsky
Summary: This study discusses reactive flows in porous media with large solid-product deposition, deriving an exact analytical solution for the non-linear problem. The analytical model is validated through closely matching seven sets of experimental data, providing interpretation and type curves for measured values.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Lichen Zhao, Qiuyang Li, Cheng-Hung Hou, Shunde Li, Xiaoyu Yang, Jiang Wu, Siyang Zhang, Qin Hu, Yanju Wang, Yuzhuo Zhang, Yufeng Jiang, Shuang Jia, Jing-Jong Shyue, Thomas P. Russell, Qihuang Gong, Xiaoyong Hu, Rui Zhu
Summary: A simple chemical polishing strategy was reported to remove PbI2 crystals from the perovskite surface, decoupling the effects of excess PbI in perovskite solar cells. This strategy resulted in improved perovskite surface properties, leading to increased photovoltages and fill factors, as well as enhanced device stability.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Marcel U. Brown, Hong-Gyu Seong, Khatcher O. Margossian, Lauren Bishop, Thomas P. Russell, Murugappan Muthukumar, Todd Emrick
Summary: Polymer zwitterions have various applications, but the variation in their chemical composition is limited. This article highlights the use of 4-vinylbenzyl sultone as a precursor to ammonium sulfonate zwitterionic monomers, which are then used to synthesize inverted sulfobetaine polymer zwitterions.
MACROMOLECULAR RAPID COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ganhua Xie, Pei Li, Paul Y. Kim, Pei-Yang Gu, Brett A. Helms, Paul D. Ashby, Lei Jiang, Thomas P. Russell
Summary: Water-walking insects use capillary forces to climb or descend the meniscus between water surface and a solid object by changing body posture, which inspired the development of autonomous aquatic synthetic systems that can shuttle cargo underground between landing and drop-off sites. By controlling the contact angle of a coacervate sac or hydrogel droplet, cyclic cargo shuttling can occur continuously as long as reactants from the surrounding aqueous phase are not depleted, potentially leading to applications in autonomously driven reaction or delivery systems and micro-/milli-robotics.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Pei-Yang Gu, Paul Y. Kim, Yu Chai, Paul D. Ashby, Qing-Feng Xu, Feng Liu, Qun Chen, Jian-Mei Lu, Thomas P. Russell
Summary: Understanding the dynamic processes during the printing of one liquid in a second immiscible liquid is crucial for exploiting all-liquid 3D architectures. This study demonstrates the interfacial assembly and transition of nanoparticle surfactants during all-liquid printing, by monitoring the formation of J-aggregates and their conversion to H-aggregates. The chromogenic changes of the aggregates provide a simple means for assessing the mechanical properties of the assemblies.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jesus Guillen Campos, Friedrich Stricker, Kyle D. Clark, Minwook Park, Sophia J. Bailey, Alexa S. Kuenstler, Ryan C. Hayward, Javier Read de Alaniz
Summary: In this work, a new protection-deprotection approach using a two-stage Diels-Alder cyclopentadiene-maleimide step-growth polymerization was introduced, enabling mild yet efficient, fast, controlled, reproducible and user-friendly polymerizations, broadening the scope of liquid crystal systems.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Philip Dreier, Rebecca Matthes, Ramona D. Barent, Sandra Schuettner, Axel H. E. Mueller, Holger Frey
Summary: A deep understanding of copolymerization kinetics and resulting polymer microstructure is important in designing materials with well-defined properties. Knowledge about how solvents affect copolymerization kinetics enables precise control over material properties. In this study, in situ H-1 NMR spectroscopy was used to monitor the living anionic ring-opening copolymerization (AROP) of ethylene oxide (EO) with allyl glycidyl ether (AGE) and ethoxy vinyl glycidyl ether (EVGE). The reactivity ratios were determined, showing that the glycidyl ethers have slightly higher reactivity compared to EO due to a pronounced counterion chelation effect. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations further revealed the complexation capability of ether-containing side groups in the glycidyl ethers, similar to the crown ether effect. The copolymerization in different solvents (THF-d(8) and DMSO-d(6)) demonstrated an increasing disparity of reactivity ratios for the glycidyl ethers compared to EO, which can be attributed to decreasing solvent polarity.
MACROMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Physics, Fluids & Plasmas
Michelle Berry, Yongjae Kim, David Limberg, Ryan C. Hayward, Christian D. Santangelo
Summary: Mechanical computing has gained renewed attention due to its potential use in programmable metamaterials for embedding sensing and computation. This study investigates the propagation of signals uphill in energy in a bistable mechanical cascade and identifies parameters for this phenomenon to occur. Experimental results on soft elastomers confirm the findings.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Elayne M. Thomas, Hongbo Fu, Ryan C. Hayward, Alfred J. Crosby
Summary: Soft materials interfaces can develop complex morphologies during separation due to mechanical instabilities, and a model has been expanded to account for geometry and material properties of two soft materials forming an interface. Experimental validation shows that geometric asymmetry can influence stress in each layer and provide means of controlling interface separations.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
M. E. Lee-Trimble, Ji-Hwan Kang, Ryan C. Hayward, Christian D. Santangelo
Summary: Self-folding origami, engineered to fold into targeted shapes, has potential engineering applications. Recent studies have shown that complex origami structures can exhibit multiple folding pathways, leading to misfolding. By introducing a model that considers the finite stretching rigidity of origami faces, the energy landscapes leading to misfolding can be computed. Elastic origami with stiffer folds and less bendable faces folds better and allows for tuning resilience to misfolding.
Article
Physics, Multidisciplinary
Nabila Tanjeem, Douglas M. Hall, Montana B. Minnis, Ryan C. Hayward, Gregory M. Grason
Summary: Geometric frustration in deformable and naturally curved colloidal particles leads to a self-limiting assembly of finite-sized stacks. By controlling the ratio of intraparticle stiffness to interparticle adhesion, different assembly sizes can be achieved. The choice of adhesive range and patchiness can suppress the frustration phenomenon.
PHYSICAL REVIEW RESEARCH
(2022)
