Article
Polymer Science
Jing-Ye Liu, Hao-Rui Song, Mian Wang, Shao-Hong Jin, Zheng Liang, Xi Mao, Wang Li, Ren-Hua Deng, Jin-Tao Zhu
Summary: We have successfully prepared asymmetric mesoporous carbon microparticles with ordered structures through neutral interface-guided three-dimensional confined self-assembly and self-templated selective direct carbonization strategy. By adjusting the blending ratio of BCP/hP, the shape of MCMPs can be easily tuned. These composite asymmetric MCMPs combine the advantages of asymmetric shape, ordered structure, high specific surface area, chemical inertness, and thermal stability, providing great possibilities for applications in catalysis, drug delivery, energy conversion, and storage.
CHINESE JOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Plinio Innocenzi
Summary: The synthesis of ordered mesoporous films via self-assembly is a significant achievement in nanoscience, but controlling the complex chemical-physical phenomena caused by solvent evaporation remains challenging. While there have been advancements in basic research, more understanding is needed on the self-organization mechanism and the physics and chemistry of mesoscale porosity.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ya-Jie Liu, Yinghua Yu, Yi-Fan Sun, Wei-Hui Fang, Jian Zhang
Summary: Heterometallic cluster-based framework materials have great research value due to their porous structures and multi-metallic reactivity. In this study, we successfully designed a controllable synthesis of atomically precise heterometallic cluster-based framework compounds and explored their application as catalysts in aldol reactions.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Qunfen Deng, Renjie Li, Anli Chen, Yujia Zhong, Xinghang Yin, Yu Zhang, Rui Yang
Summary: In this study, graphitic carbon nitride with rectangular hollow tubular morphology and asperous surface (TUM-CN-2) was prepared through self-assembly method, and it was found to have significantly improved specific surface area, photocatalytic activity, and photo-generated carriers migration and separation rate. Compared to pure g-C3N4, the degradation rate of tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH) and Rhodamine B (RhB) was enhanced by approximately 3.04 and 13.96 times, respectively, under visible light irradiation.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xiangyang Bai, Qingxue Sun, Hao Cui, Luis P. B. Guerzoni, Stefan Wuttke, Fabian Kiessling, Laura De Laporte, Twan Lammers, Yang Shi
Summary: Polymer self-assembly is a crucial process in materials engineering, but currently most methods are based on non-covalent bonding. In this study, a novel mechanism of covalent polymer self-assembly is discovered, addressing the drawbacks of non-covalent self-assembly. By tuning the covalent crosslinking rate, precise control over the size range of nanogels is achieved. This innovative assembly method has the potential to revolutionize multiscale materials fabrication in applications such as drug delivery and tissue engineering.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Qing Wang, Yuyang Chen, Xin Jiang, ng a Xiaoru Qiao, Yihan Wang, Haibo Zhao, Ben Pu, Weiqin Yang
Summary: This study reports a self-assembly defect-regulating platform for efficiently fabricating hierarchically defect-regulating superstructured carbon. The developed superstructured carbon has hierarchically ordered structures with abundant internal channels, allowing for improved ion transfer efficiency and potential energy storage applications.
ENERGY STORAGE MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ting Tian, Suo Tu, Ang Xu, Shanshan Yin, Anna Lena Oechsle, Tianxiao Xiao, Apostolos Vagias, Johanna Eichhorn, Jinping Suo, Zhangcan Yang, Sigrid Bernstorff, Peter Mueller-Buschbaum
Summary: Moisture has a significant impact on the conductivity of ZnO semiconductors, especially in mesoporous ZnO films. The use of self-assembling diblock copolymers allows for the manipulation of the structural characteristics of mesoporous ZnO films, resulting in a better understanding of water-mediated surface chemistry and electrical conductivity.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Felix Markus, Charlotte Vogler, Johanna R. Bruckner, Stefan Naumann
Summary: By using an organocatalytic polymerization method, well-defined amphiphilic block copolyethers can be prepared and applied as structure-directing agents in a standard soft templating process to deliver ordered mesoporous carbons with monomodal and narrowly distributed pore diameters. Selective tuning of pore diameters in the range of 6-18 nm is achievable by judiciously choosing the properties of the structure-directing agents, potentially reducing the effort required to obtain systematically altered materials.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shuyang Yao, Wei-Hui Fang, Yayong Sun, San-Tai Wang, Jian Zhang
Summary: This study introduces a novel supramolecular nanocage structure assembled from aluminum molecular rings, exhibiting superior iodine adsorption behavior. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction reveals the binding sites of molecular I-2 within the cages. The resulting adsorbent demonstrates a high iodine vapor saturation uptake capacity and can be recycled for further use.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xihuang Zheng, Min Ren, Huayang Wang, Huiying Wang, Zhen Geng, Jiangping Xu, Renhua Deng, Senbin Chen, Wolfgang H. Binder, Jintao Zhu
Summary: Halogen-bond driven assembly in emulsion droplets enables order-order phase transitions by forming donor-acceptor pairs, leading to various nanostructures. Tuning the content of halogen donor and choice of surfactant allows for tailored morphology transitions, creating mesoporous microparticles, disassembled nanodiscs, and superaggregates. These results will inspire further exploration of halogen bonding interactions in emulsion droplets and beyond.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ping-Chu Kuo, Zhi-Xun Lin, Tzi-Yi Wu, Chun-Han Hsu, Hong-Ping Lin, Tian-Shung Wu
Summary: The study found that among three different mesoporous silica supports, the mesoporous silica film is the most suitable for immobilizing the enzyme and enhancing catalytic activity. The loading capacity and activity of the immobilized enzyme can reach the highest at pH 7, and the activity can be maintained for over 15 days when using a silica film support.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Linlin Duan, Changyao Wang, Wei Zhang, Bing Ma, Yonghui Deng, Wei Li, Dongyuan Zhao
Summary: Functional mesoporous materials are synthesized through self-assembly at different interfaces, allowing for unique mesostructures and precise control. Controlling interfacial tension is crucial for influencing the self-assembly process, and recent breakthroughs based on the monomicelles assembly mechanism show promise for enhancing synthesis efficiency and precision of mesoporous materials.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhen Zhang, Lu Zhang, Xiangnan Wang, Tianping Wang, Chong Cheng, Xikui Liu
Summary: In the past decade, considerable efforts have been made in studying covalent organic frameworks (COFs), but research on the nucleation and crystal growth of COF materials has been lacking. This review provides an overview on the theoretical foundation and experimental observations of the multi-scale structural engineering of COF materials, including polymerization, crystallization, and self-assembly processes. The understanding of these processes will facilitate the design of COFs with hierarchical architectures for targeted applications.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Tim Hawly, Fabian Streller, Manuel Johnson, Sandra Miguez-Lago, Natalie Hammer, Frank Hampel, Dustin Vivod, Dirk Zahn, Milan Kivala, Robert Branscheid, Erdmann Spiecker, Rainer H. Fink
Summary: The study found that the nature of substituents attached to the polycyclic backbone determines the long-range order, crystallinity, and layer thickness of the 2D-extended films. Compounds with a carbonyl unit at the bridge position serve as a superior building block compared to thioketone-bridged derivatives due to their flat core unit. Furthermore, the nature and length of peripheral substituents impact the orientation of the aromatic core unit within highly crystalline films.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhilin Liu, Hailong Xiong, Yaxiao Luo, Liangliang Zhang, Kuo Hu, Ling Zhang, Yu Gao, Zhen-An Qiao
Summary: An interface-induced self-assembly strategy was developed to synthesize ordered mesoporous carbon/Ti3C2Tx heterostructures with high specific surface areas and excellent thermodynamic stability. These heterostructures exhibited superior performance as electrode materials for supercapacitors.
Article
Engineering, Manufacturing
Jia-Ruey Ai, Bryan D. Vogt
Summary: This study investigated the impact of print path and print sequence on the mechanical properties of polycarbonate and polypropylene. The results showed that the interlayer time between printed roads should be controlled within 5 seconds to observe statistical differences in mechanical response. Additionally, the specimen size and raster angle significantly influenced the mechanical properties, with larger effects observed when printing polycarbonate compared to polypropylene.
PROGRESS IN ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Garrett A. Taggart, Aynur Guliyeva, Kyunghee Kim, Glenn P. A. Yap, Darrin J. Pochan, Thomas H. Epps III, Eric D. Bloch
Summary: Porous coordination cages (PCCs) are a unique class of molecular adsorbents that have gained attention due to their potential solubility and various applications. However, the characterization of PCC behavior in solution has been challenging. In this study, the combination of DOSY NMR, TEM, and cryo-TEM was used to confirm the persistence of soluble PCCs in different solutions.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY C
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Kyle C. H. Chin, Jianxun Cui, Robert M. O'Dea, Thomas H. Epps III, Andrew J. Boydston
Summary: By using bioderivable photoresins derived from lignin deconstruction, we successfully manufactured thermoplastic parts with highly tunable thermal and mechanical properties, overcoming the difficulties in traditional vat photopolymerization 3D printing. These bioresins, formulated from two monomers obtainable from lignin, generated printed parts ranging from soft elastomers to rigid plastics. The parts exhibited thermoplastic behavior and were largely soluble in common organic solvents, expanding the application and repurposing of 3D-printed parts.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Travis S. Laws, William K. Ledford, Kayla Kurtz, Vinka Oyanedel-Craver, Tanguy Terlier, Wayne C. Tucker, Natasha C. Dickenson, Thomas S. Ramotowski, S. Michael Kilbey II, Gila E. Stein
Summary: The study proposes a simple method of developing environmentally friendly antifouling coatings based on bottlebrush-modified elastomers. It was found that the fouling performance of these coatings is influenced by surface composition and not surface roughness. Furthermore, a formulation containing a bottlebrush copolymer additive with siloxane and fluorinated monomers proved effective against almost all fouling organisms encountered in the study.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Travis S. S. Laws, Hao Mei, Tanguy Terlier, Rafael Verduzco, Gila E. E. Stein
Summary: Reactive bottlebrush polymers based on S and tBA were developed as additives for PS coatings. The hydrophilicity and substrate adherence of PS films can be controlled by the thermal activation of tBA deprotection. By incorporating a mixture of PtBA and PS side chains into the bottlebrush, the water contact angle decreases and the substrate adherence improves proportionally.
Article
Polymer Science
Jonathan P. Coote, Samuel K. J. Adotey, Joshua R. Sangoro, Gila E. Stein
Summary: The ionic conductivity in lamellar block copolymer electrolytes is often anisotropic, with higher conductivity in the plane than through the plane. Previous work suggested that layering of lamellar domains near the electrode surface depressed the through-film ionic conductivity. However, this present study found that anisotropy in the ionic conductivity arises from an in-plane enhancement instead of a through-plane depression.
Article
Polymer Science
Karthika Madathil, Bishal Upadhyay, William K. Ledford, S. Michael Kilbey II, Gila E. Stein
Summary: This research investigates the influence of polymeric additives on the structure, mechanical properties, and thermal stability of plastics. Unlike PS additives, PrC additives have attractive interactions with the PS end-blocks in SEBS, resulting in complete miscibility of SEBS/PrC blends. PrC additives can increase the modulus and yield stress of SEBS, delay strain hardening, and maintain a high modulus at elevated temperatures, expanding the service window of SEBS. The principles established in this research could also be applied to other types of styrenic BCP thermoplastics.
Article
Polymer Science
Priyanka M. Ketkar, Nicholas F. Pietra, Andrew G. Korovich, Louis A. Madsen, Thomas H. Epps III
Summary: This study presents a quantitative framework to describe the local polymer and ion dynamics in nanostructured block polymer electrolytes, which is validated through nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy measurements. The framework considers various factors such as polymer architecture, segmental mixing, chain stretching, and confinement to accurately capture the local dynamics. It provides insights into ion diffusion and conductivity at the local level and shows good agreement with experimental results.
Article
Polymer Science
Nicholas F. Pietra, Andrew G. Korovich, Priyanka M. Ketkar, Thomas H. Epps III, Louis A. Madsen
Summary: Block polymers have the potential to be used as solid-state battery electrolytes due to their optimized conductive and mechanical properties. This study investigates the role of molecular structure on ion transport and local ion dynamics in a polystyrene-block-poly(oligo-oxyethylene methacrylate) (PS-b-POEM) electrolyte doped with various lithium salts. The results show that increasing the size of the anion delocalizes the anion charge, reducing the coupling between salt ions while increasing the coupling between ions and polymer chain motions. This creates a more mobile overall environment.
Editorial Material
Polymer Science
Ty Christoff-Tempesta, Thomas H. H. Epps
Summary: Ionic liquids (ILs) have unique physicochemical properties that make them a promising medium for advanced recycling of polymers. They can solubilize plastics waste and biopolymers, deconstruct polymers at reduced temperatures, and minimize unwanted side reactions. The use of ILs in advanced recycling offers potential environmental benefits, such as reduced chemical escape and decreased energy demands.
Article
Polymer Science
Sierra F. Yost, Christian W. Pester, Bryan D. Vogt
Summary: By controlling the molecular mass distribution, the mechanical properties of 3D printed thermoplastics can be improved, providing a simple and effective approach compared to more complex methods.
JOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Tianwei Yan, Alex H. H. Balzer, Katie M. M. Herbert, Thomas H. H. Epps III, LaShanda T. J. Korley
Summary: The circularity of polymeric materials is a global issue that impacts society due to undesirable end-of-life outcomes and waste accumulation. Recycling and repurposing are attractive solutions, but are hindered by poor property retention and heterogeneities in waste streams. Dynamic covalent chemistry allows for tailored reversible bonds to address recycling challenges. This review highlights key features of dynamic covalent chemistries, synthetic progress in new and existing polymers, and the influence of covalent bonds and polymer network structure on thermomechanical properties. It also examines the economic and environmental impacts of dynamic covalent polymeric materials in closed-loop processing.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Garrett A. Taggart, Aynur Guliyeva, Kyunghee Kim, Glenn P. A. Yap, Darrin J. Pochan, Thomas H. Epps III, Eric D. Bloch
Summary: As a unique class of molecular adsorbents, porous coordination cages (PCCs) have attracted interest due to their solubility, which allows for various applications. The understanding of cage behavior in solution is crucial for expanding the utility of soluble PCCs. However, the characterization of PCCs in solution has been limited, and there is a lack of definitive evidence. In this study, the combined use of DOSY NMR, TEM, and cryo-TEM is explored to confirm the persistence of soluble PCCs in various solutions.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY C
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Mario. V. V. Ramos-Garces, Dodangodage Ishara Senadheera, Karthik Arunagiri, Polyxeni. P. P. Angelopoulou, Georgios Sakellariou, Ke Li, Bryan. D. D. Vogt, Revati Kumar, Christopher. G. G. Arges
Summary: Ion-exchange membranes (IEMs) are widely used in various applications in electrochemical systems. The chemical composition and macromolecular architecture of ion-conducting polymers play a crucial role in ion and water transport. This study focuses on the preparation of different microphase separated block copolymer electrolytes (BCEs) with distinct side chain chemistries. The results show that the more hydrophobic alkyl side chains exhibit significantly higher ionic conductivity compared to alkoxy and zwitterionic side chains.
MATERIALS ADVANCES
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Sampanna V. V. Mhatre, Jignesh S. S. Mahajan, Thomas H. H. Epps, LaShanda T. J. Korley
Summary: This study compares lignin-derivable materials with petroleum-derived materials and identifies biobased alternatives for non-isocyanate polyurethane (NIPU) thermosets. The study shows that variations in methoxy content and bridging-carbon substitution have significant effects on the thermomechanical properties of NIPU networks.
MATERIALS ADVANCES
(2023)