Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zijing Li, Yifu Li, Dongbo Wang, Longhu Yuan, Xuran Liu, Chuli Pan, Xunkuo Zhang
Summary: This study investigates how cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) improves sludge dewaterability. The results show that CTAB can decrease the capillary suction time, specific resistance to filtration, and water content of sludge cake. The mechanism reveals that CTAB can neutralize negative charges on EPS surface, enhance hydrophobicity and adhesion among sludge particles, and release intracellular water by damaging the outer membrane of sludge cells. CTAB also reduces the concentrations of PO3- 4 , humic acid, and proteins in the liquid phase. These findings deepen our understanding of CTAB's effect on sludge dewatering.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Edgar Gutierrez-Fernandez, Jose Sena-Fernandez, Esther Rebollar, Tiberio A. Ezquerra, Francisco J. Hermoso-Pinilla, Mikel Sanz, Oscar Galvez, Aurora Nogales
Summary: Ferroelectric polymer nanoparticles of PVDF were prepared using dialysis nano-precipitation. The nanoparticles showed piezoelectric response as observed by PFM. The ferroelectric behavior was attributed to the presence of ferroelectrically active crystalline phases of PVDF in the nanoparticles (mainly beta and gamma phases) as demonstrated by DSC, FTIR, and XRD. The combination of the preparation method and temperature treatment can tune the ferroelectric properties of PVDF homopolymer nanoparticles.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yuki Nohara, Erika Saiki, Toshiyuki Shikata
Summary: This study investigates the conformation and structure of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) samples with different molecular weights in a solvent. The results indicate that PVDF molecules behave as long rigid rectangular columnar particles in the solution, which is significant for improving the performance of commercial lithium ion batteries.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Jiale Fang, Chengqi Chen, Hongxing Qi, Jie Zhang, Xiaoxuan Hou, Likun Pan, Xianghui Wang
Summary: Developing flexible electromagnetic interference (EMI SE) shielding materials is crucial for protecting humans from harmful radiation. We designed and fabricated a flexible multilayer structure of PVDF/GNP-PVDF composite film, which exhibited high EMI SE performance (averaging 69.7 dB in X-band), excellent flexibility, and stability (98.85% retention after bending 1000 cycles at 60 degrees). The theoretical study indicates that the multiple reflection and absorption of electromagnetic waves between layers contribute to the high EMI SE performance of the PVDF/GNP-PVDF multilayer film.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Anuja S. Jayasekara, Peggy Cebe
Summary: In this study, Fourier self-deconvolution (FSD) of the infrared spectrum was used to quantify the relative fractions of the electro-active (EA) crystal phases in poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF). The results showed that only polar crystal phases were present in the samples prepared by electrospinning and electrospraying, and no non-polar alpha phase crystals were found. The application of FSD allowed the determination of the absolute content of the polar beta and gamma phases, showing that the gamma phase dominated over the beta phase in both electrospun and electrosprayed materials.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Krystyna Ciesla, Hubert Rahier
Summary: The effect of irradiation on further transformations of potato starch in the starch-CTAB-water system was studied using DSC, revealing structural changes and decreased symmetry in complexes formed using irradiated starch compared to non-irradiated starch. Thermal treatment induced deterioration of the complex structure in irradiated samples, while non-irradiated starch showed no significant modifications. Changes in complex structure were detected in granular starch samples when doses in the range of 2-30 kGy were applied, with 5 kGy causing easily noticeable modifications.
RADIATION PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chunyue Hou, Wenxian Zhang, Xiying Dai, Jieshan Qiu, Thomas P. Russell, Xiaoli Sun, Shouke Yan
Summary: A simple method utilizing anodize aluminum oxide membranes as templates is reported to fabricate polar PVDF nanotubes, which can form beta-PVDF and gamma-PVDF crystals after specific treatments, opening up a new pathway for producing polar PVDF nanomaterials.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Zengxuan Fan, Martin Schwedes, Jan Schwaderer, Sabine Beuermann, Michael Fischlschweiger
Summary: This study systematically investigates the effect of molecular weight on the formation of electroactive phases in poly(vinylidene fluoride) and clarifies the structure-property relationship. The results show that molecular weight strongly influences the phase behavior of poly(vinylidene fluoride).
MATERIALS RESEARCH LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Physics, Atomic, Molecular & Chemical
Noor Rehman, Zia Ul Haq, Hidayat Ullah, Inamullah Mian, Xian Li
Summary: The study systematically investigated the surface phenomenon and self-aggregation behavior of cationic surfactant CTAB with NH4NO3 salt, revealing that the process of micellization is spontaneous and exothermic, and the addition of NH4NO3 promotes the micellization process. This research helps to develop a better understanding of the interaction between electrolyte and surfactant.
CHINESE JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Dong Je Han, Seonwoo Kim, Hyeon Jun Heo, Chaewon Jin, Jin-young Kim, Hongsoo Choi, In Jun Park, Hong Suk Kang, Sang Goo Lee, Jong-Chan Lee, Eun-Ho Sohn
Summary: Antimicrobial PVDF-based polymers were prepared by grafting quaternary ammonium or quaternary pyridinium monomers to effectively kill bacteria and yeast. Adding these polymers to PVDF films through blending method enhanced both mechanical properties and antimicrobial performances, while maintaining biocompatibility.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Benjamin Cromwell, Mara Dubnicka, Lasanthi Sumathirathne, Angela Thach, William B. Euler
Summary: Membranes of PVDF and related polymers are used to decompose RhB under low power sonication, and the change in visible spectrum of RhB allows determination of rate constants for different polymer compositions and membrane thicknesses. The piezoelectric field generated by mechanical deformation of the polymer catalyzes the scission of the C-N bond in RhB. Doping PVDF with transition-metal nitrates increases the rate constants, but the analysis is complicated by concurrent RhB adsorption onto the membrane. A proposed mechanism suggests that the piezocatalytic effect of the membrane leads to heterolytic cleavage of the C-N bond followed by formation of a C-Cl bond on the new xanthene ring.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY C
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Najmeh Rezazadeh, Shahnaz Danesh, Mohammad Eftekhari, Morteza Farahmandzadeh
Summary: This research investigates the adsorption behavior of a cationic surfactant, Cetyl Trimethyl Ammonium Bromide (CTAB), on graphene oxide-based adsorbents. The adsorbents include graphene oxide (GO), reduced graphene oxide (rGO), functionalized graphene oxid by humic acid (GO-HA), and functionalized reduced graphene oxid by thionine acetate (rGO-Th). Factors such as pH, contact time, adsorbent dosage, and agitation speed affecting CTAB adsorption were examined. The optimum pH values for GO, rGO, GO-HA, and rGO-Th were found to be 7, 8, 6.5, and 10, respectively, with optimum contact time of 30 min and agitation speed of 450 rpm. Kinetic, isothermal, and thermodynamic studies were conducted, and the pseudo-second-order kinetic model was found to fit the experimental data for all adsorbents. Under the optimum conditions, the maximum adsorption capacity for GO, rGO, GO-HA, and rGO-Th were determined to be 2000, 238, 3333, and 159 mg/g, respectively. The adsorption thermodynamics revealed that CTAB adsorption on GO and GO-HA is exothermic, while on rGO and rGO-Th is endothermic. The results indicate that the physical properties of adsorbents, such as surface area, do not play a significant role in CTAB adsorption, but rather the electrostatic interaction between CTAB molecules and the functional groups of adsorbents is key.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Miaomiao Tian, Junyong Zhu, Shushan Yuan, Yatao Zhang, Bart Van der Bruggen
Summary: The study demonstrates that by co-casting to reduce the solvent/nonsolvent exchange rate at the same time, PVDF membranes with uniformly rough surface structures can be effectively fabricated, facilitating the membrane distillation process. The PVDF concentration significantly affects membrane morphology, with increasing PVDF content leading to different phase inversion mechanisms.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jian Wang, Ran Ma, Zheng Jiang
Summary: In this study, the DTAB/TiO2 composite material was successfully prepared and applied for uranium adsorption from water. The DTAB/TiO2 showed excellent chemical stability and rough surface, enabling the removal of U(VI) in a monolayer adsorption form. The surface oxygen-containing functional groups played a crucial role in the removal of U(VI).
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Ruru Wan, Xiaoli Sun, Zhongjie Ren, Haijun Wang, Huihui Li, Shouke Yan
Summary: Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) films with polymorphic crystal structure were prepared and the effects of heat treatment on the crystal morphology and properties were studied. The results provide a useful way to induce the formation of polar PVDF phases.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yuan Ji, Lei Jing, Zhuxi Ni, Bo Yin, Mingbo Yang, Wei Yang, Yu Wang
Summary: This study proposes a scalable mechanic-assisted heavy coating strategy based on sticky jammed fluid (SJF) for functionalization of polymer foams. By dispersing a high concentration of active material uniformly in a protein binder solution, a high coating efficiency is achieved. The critical factors controlling the coating processing and quality are identified. The functionalized foam demonstrates high-performance shape-customizable toxic gas removal and can be easily recycled through solvent treatment.
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Xuefeng Tao, Zhao Yang, Rui Yan, Menghao Cheng, Tian Ma, Sujiao Cao, Mingru Bai, Fen Ran, Chong Cheng, Wei Yang
Summary: Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs)-derived nanoarchitectures have shown great potential as cathode materials in advanced lithium-sulfur batteries (LSBs), due to their unique properties and controllable structures. This progress report highlights the recent advances in designing MOFs-derived nanoarchitectures with diverse electrocatalytic centers for promoting the oxidation/reduction reactions of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) in LSBs. The catalytic mechanisms of different types of MOFs-derived materials, from single atoms to nanoparticles, are systematically summarized. The prospects and challenges of engineering MOFs-derived catalysts for LiPS in LSBs are also discussed. This report provides valuable guidance and perspectives for designing state-of-the-art LiPS catalytic materials in LSBs.
ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Zhao Xu, Yong-Bo Liu, Dun-Wen Wei, Rui-Ying Bao, Yu Wang, Kai Ke, Wei Yang
Summary: Researchers have developed shape memory polymers (SMPs) with high force storage capacity by co-cross-linking polyolefin elastomer (POE) and paraffin wax (PW) using dynamic boronic ester bonds. The materials can achieve one-way force storage by programming at a low temperature (25 degrees C) with solid PW, and reversible force storage by programming at a high temperature (75 degrees C) with liquid PW. These SMPs show promising applications in soft robotic actuators.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
De-Fa Hou, Meng-Lei Li, Pei-Yao Li, Ling Zhou, Kai Zhang, Zheng-Ying Liu, Wei Yang, Ming-Bo Yang
Summary: In this study, a novel one-step ball-milling mechanochemistry method is introduced for efficient conversion of cellulose to melt-processable cellulose stearates (SCEs) without excess reagents. By adjusting reaction conditions, a series of SCEs with degrees of substitution (DS) ranging from 1.30 to 2.37 are synthesized. The relationship between DS and the thermoplasticity of SCEs is investigated, and SCEs with DS beyond 1.62 exhibit excellent thermoplasticity and can be processed into films with high tensile strength and elastic modulus.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Ganghong Zhang, Xiaotian Wu, Tianlong Du, Yu Wang, Zhengying Liu, Wei Yang, Mingbo Yang
Summary: The challenge of creating conductive hydrogel electrodes for stretchable supercapacitors with high capacitance and stability during stretching has received significant attention from researchers. This study presents a method to improve the performance of a conductive hydrogel electrode by performing in situ oxidative polymerization of aniline monomer in a prestretched polyacrylamide (PAAm) hydrogel. The resulting prestretched PAAm-PANI conductive hydrogel with a prestrain of 500% shows a high areal capacitance and excellent stretching stability. By applying this strategy to carbon nanotube (CNT)-filled hydrogels, the specific capacitance of the resulting PAAm-PANI-CNT conductive hydrogel is significantly enhanced.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Lanxiang Feng, Zhiwei Zhu, Rui Yan, Xuewei Fu, Xuewei He, Dichen Wu, Hua Li, Zaiping Guo, Wei Yang, Yu Wang
Summary: By utilizing the frictional heating and dispersion capability of the nanostorm technology, sulfur-rich active particles can be coated with shell nanomaterials in seconds. This technology enables customizable nano-shell production in a super-efficient and solvent-free way.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ya-Jun Fu, Yi-Feng Shi, Li-Ya Wang, Yi-Fan Zhao, Rao-Kaijuan Wang, Kai Li, Shu-Ting Zhang, Xiang-Jun Zha, Wei Wang, Xing Zhao, Wei Yang
Summary: Macrophages in diabetic wounds can be divided into pro-inflammatory M1 and anti-inflammatory M2 types. Hydrogel dressings with the ability to regulate macrophage heterogeneity show potential in promoting diabetic wound healing. An all-natural hydrogel has been developed, which can convert M1 macrophages into M2 macrophages without additional ingredients or external intervention, providing a simple and safe approach for accelerating wound healing.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Dan Li, Zhiwei Zhu, Ziyu Zhao, Yuan Ji, Xuewei Fu, Zunfeng Liu, Wei Yang, Yu Wang
Summary: Helix-fiber composites (HFCs) are used in intelligent stretchable materials or devices by wrapping a flexible core. The mechanical coupling between the core and wrapping plays a critical role in controlling the structure and mechanical properties of HFCs. The results show that the mechanical properties of HFCs can be programmed by adjusting the mechanical coupling strength, and they also exhibit unique pseudo-elastic behavior. Additionally, HFCs can function as an elastic conductor, sensor, and elastic mold for structure transplantation by decoupling the elastomer core from the helix fiber.
COMMUNICATIONS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jin Jia, Yan Peng, Xiang-Jun Zha, Kai Ke, Rui-Ying Bao, Zheng-Ying Liu, Wei Yang
Summary: This article introduces a method for manufacturing highly conductive, porous, and stretchable composites. By seeding hydrophilic carbon nanotubes, a dual heterogeneous structure is formed in the elastomer film, which can maintain high electrical conductivity under large strains. The manufactured porous composites sustain high and stable electrical conductivity under various mechanical deformations.
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Xuewei Fu, Yonghan Zhou, Jieyang Huang, Lanxiang Feng, Peng Yu, Qiang Zhang, Wei Yang, Yu Wang
Summary: The success of liquid/solid-state batteries is highly dependent on the microstructures of the electrodes, especially for high-energy-density electrodes with thick configurations or high-capacity active materials. However, these high-energy-density electrodes often suffer from performance degradation due to challenging microstructural issues. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a better understanding of electrode microstructures and the development of optimization strategies. In this review, the authors classify the multiscale electrode microstructures into primary structures, secondary structures, and tertiary structures and provide detailed design principles and structuring strategies at different levels of microstructures. They also propose the concept of a battery manufacturing genome based on a structuring strategy profile, which could integrate machine learning with battery microstructure optimization and facilitate the development of next-generation on-demand batteries.
ADVANCED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Zheng-Min Zhang, Peng Yu, Kai Zhou, Fan-Yuan Yu, Rui-Ying Bao, Ming-Bo Yang, Zhi-Yong Qian, Wei Yang
Summary: In this study, hierarchically porous poly(methylmethacrylate)/polyethyleneimine/poly(vinylidenefluoride) composite implants were designed and prepared to mimic the viscoelastic and piezoelectric microenvironment of bone tissue. The viscoelastic and piezoelectric cues of the implants stimulated and activated Piezo1 proteins associated with mechanotransduction signaling pathways, leading to excellent regeneration and integration of cortical and spongy bone in vivo models of critical-size bone defects. The study demonstrates the promising potential of implants with integrated physiological cues as artificial bone substitute materials for regenerating critical-size bone defects.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zi-Yang Fan, Ze-Zhi Shi, Ling Ma, Pengjian Gong, Rui-Ying Bao, Ming-Bo Yang, Wei Yang
Summary: The insufficient molecular weight of PBAT limits its application as foam materials. In this study, by grafting biobased itaconic anhydride onto the PBAT backbone and adding epoxidized soybean oil, a dynamic cross-linked network was achieved. The PBAT vitrimers exhibited fluidity and elasticity during processing and could be foamed by supercritical carbon dioxide. The foams showed enhanced elasticity, compressive strength, and damping properties.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Yonghan Zhou, Zhongfeng Ji, Wenrui Cai, Xuewei He, Ruiying Bao, Xuewei Fu, Wei Yang, Yu Wang
Summary: By learning from the pencil-writing process, a solid-ink rubbing technology (SIR-tech) has been invented to develop durable metallic coatings on diverse substrates. The composite metallic skin by SIR-tech outperforms pure liquid-metal coating and shows great potential for various applications.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY CHEMISTRY
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Weihan Hua, Jie Xiang, Yeke Wu, Wei Yang, Lixing Zhao
Summary: This study successfully simulated the physiological structure of periodontal tissue by fabricating complex triphasic scaffolds. The triphasic scaffolds loaded with growth factors showed good biocompatibility and reduced cytotoxicity when tested with periodontal ligament stem cells in vitro. In vivo experiments demonstrated that the triphasic scaffolds promoted the repair of periodontal defects by promoting the formation of alveolar bone-like tissue, periodontal ligament-like tissue, and cementum-like tissue.
MATERIALS ADVANCES
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Linli Zhang, Hui Zhang, Hongling Zhou, Yi Tan, Zhengmin Zhang, Wei Yang, Lixing Zhao, Zhihe Zhao
Summary: Infected bone defect repair is a major challenge in orthopedic surgery. A near-infrared-responsive, hierarchically porous scaffold was designed and fabricated to address the limitations in a synergetic manner, promoting new bone formation in an infected mandibular defect model.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2023)
