Article
Polymer Science
Arne Wolpers, Florian Baffie, Vincent Monteil, Franck D'Agosto
Summary: In this study, a dithiocarbamate chain transfer agent was used to synthesize statistical and diblock copolymers of ethylene and vinyl acetate, achieving various polymer compositions through good chain growth control, including linear diblock copolymers and a three-arm star copolymer.
MACROMOLECULAR RAPID COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Pinar Akarsu, Stefan Reinicke, Anne-Catherine Lehnen, Marek Bekir, Alexander Boeker, Matthias Hartlieb, Martin Reifarth
Summary: The study demonstrates a feasible method to fabricate patchy silicon dioxide microspheres, which can be equipped with tailor-made polymeric materials as patches. The method relies on a solid-state supported microcontact printing (μCP) routine optimized for the transfer of functional groups to capillary-active substrates, introducing amino functionalities as patches to a monolayer of particles. Acting as anchor groups for polymerization, photo-iniferter reversible addition-fragmentation chain-transfer (RAFT) is used to graft polymer from the patch areas. The protocol promises a vast degree of freedom in engineering the surface properties of highly functional patchy particles, making it a platform technology for the fabrication of particles with locally precisely formed patches.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Xiuxian Zhao, Junhua Sun, Jiachen Ma, Tongyao Liu, Zeyi Guo, Zhen Yang, Wei Yao, Xuchuan Jiang
Summary: Vanadium dioxide (VO2) is considered as a promising material for smart windows. However, its real application is hindered by several limitations. In this study, core-shell structured VO2@PMMA-b-PHFBMA nanoparticles with excellent properties were prepared using a RAFT polymerization method. The addition of a F-containing polymer shell improved the stability and compatibility of the VO2 nanoparticles. Furthermore, a photochromic and hydrophobic copolymer was synthesized and coated onto the VO2 nanoparticles to create an energy-saving composite film. The composite film showed high solar modulation efficiency, making it a highly promising application for smart windows.
SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS AND TECHNOLOGIES
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Zhongyuan Wan, Lee Wai Hin, Ataulla Shegiwal, David Haddleton
Summary: An addition-fragmentation monomer (AFM) is utilized in 3D printer resins to reduce shrinkage during polymerization. The AFM enables reversible network formation and improves mechanical performance. The AFM is synthesized via catalytic chain transfer polymerization (CCTP) and characterized using NMR and size exclusion chromatography (SEC). The incorporation of AFM as a crosslinker allows for rapid reversible covalent bond formation and reduces both polymerization shrinkage and stress buildup.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Patrizia P. Smith, Stephen G. Boyes
Summary: Amphiphilic block copolymers were successfully synthesized using a dual initiator chain transfer agent. Comprehensive kinetics studies provided valuable insights into factors influencing the synthesis of well-defined block copolymers, as well as the ability to produce poly(lactide) blocks of different molecular weights. The role of the chain transfer agent in facilitating the complex and sterically demanding RAFT polymerization of PEGEEMA was also examined through kinetics monitoring.
JOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Sofia L. Goodrich, Madison E. Ross, James B. Young, Brent S. Sumerlin
Summary: In this study, sonochemically initiated reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization was achieved by employing low-frequency ultrasound at high monomer concentrations. Dilution with N,N-dimethylacetamide was found to increase the conversion rate.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yuma Ueno, Hayato Nakazaki, Hina Onozaki, Shingo Tamesue
Summary: Researchers developed a growable adhesive gel system using RAFT polymerization, which can change its characteristics similar to human growth. The adhesive joint grown by RAFT polymerization showed higher adhesive strength and a function of thermal responsiveness compared to non-RAFT-polymerized adhesive joint. These growable adhesive gel systems enable long-term use of gel materials while adapting to environmental changes.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Zhiying Li, Qianjin Lian, Youwei Xu, Yichuan Zhang, Pengfei Zhang, Jin Geng
Summary: A robust aggregation-induced emission luminogen photoaddition-fragmentation chain transfer (PET-RAFT) polymerization was investigated, resulting in the preparation of a variety of well-defined polymers with narrow polydispersities (D < 1.20). The use of low concentrations of a donor-acceptor (D-A) type aggregation-induced emission luminogen as a photocatalyst enabled polymerization under visible light at ambient temperature. Previous studies have mainly focused on organic solvents, with fewer investigations conducted in aqueous environments. This study successfully demonstrated the polymerization strategy in water with or without oxygen, leading to the synthesis of structure-controlled polymers. Furthermore, the fluorescence intensity of DCDPP-2TPA increased linearly with the degree of polymerization.
Article
Polymer Science
Mengmeng Zhang, Jiajia Li, Miao Chen, Xiangqiang Pan, Zhengbiao Zhang, Jian Zhu
Summary: The article introduces a new method for controlling the molecular weight distribution of polymers through photocontrol, allowing for the transformation from a latent initiator to an initiator during polymerization. This approach can produce polymers with controlled molecular weight and narrow distributions under mild conditions, demonstrating the potential for tuning MWDs in batch polymerization.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Joji Tanaka, Noel Edward Archer, Michael Jeffery Grant, Wei You
Summary: In this study, RAFT step-growth polymerization was achieved by combining RAFT and step-growth polymerization mechanisms, resulting in backbone repeat units with a pendant RAFT agent that can form molecular brush polymers in a second polymerization step. The cleavable backbone functionality allows the transformation of brushlike polymers into linear chains of uniform size under stimuli.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Rui Liu, Zhuolin Rong, Guang Han, Xinlin Yang, Wangqing Zhang
Summary: The star multiple block copolymer s-P4VP-b-PS was synthesized and its self-assembly behavior in two selective solvents, methanol and toluene, was investigated. Significant differences were observed between s-P4VP-b-PS and linear block copolymer l-P4VP-b-PS in terms of self-assembly structures in different solvents.
Article
Polymer Science
Chengqiang Ding, Yuhan Yan, Yuhao Peng, Danming Wu, Hang Shen, Jiandong Zhang, Zhao Wang, Zhengbiao Zhang
Summary: In this study, a well-controlled piezoelectrically mediated reversible addition-fragmentation chain-transfer polymerization (piezoRAFT) was successfully conducted using piezoelectric ZnO nanoparticles as the mechanochemical transducer under ultrasonic agitation. The resulting polymer exhibited high end-group fidelity, low dispersity, and capacity for chain extension. The generation of alkyl radicals through electron transfer process from piezoelectric nanoparticles to alkyl bromide was confirmed by various characterization techniques.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Sarthik Samanta, Sovan Lal Banerjee, Koushik Bhattacharya, Nikhil K. Singha
Summary: A new waterborne epoxy-based fluorescent adhesive, synthesized via surfactant-free miniemulsion polymerization and decorated with graphene quantum dots, shows transparency, easy detection, and excellent adhesion strength. The addition of GQDs enhances the adhesive performance, making it a promising contrivance for art conservators in repairing or reconstructing artifacts.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Kyeong Min Kim, Masud, Jung-Min Ji, Hwan Kyu Kim
Summary: By varying the composition and molecular weight of the copolymers, the performance of polymer gel electrolytes (PGEs) in quasi-solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells can be improved, with higher molecular weight enhancing ionic conductivity in the PGEs.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Iris Lamparth, David Wottawa, Jorg Angermann, Pascal Fassler, Robert Liska, Yohann Catel
Summary: This study investigated the effects of four new urethane-based AFCT agents on dental composites, which can improve mechanical properties and reduce shrinkage force, providing effective technological support for the formulation of low-shrinkage materials.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Can Wang, Rafael Furlan de Oliveira, Kaiyue Jiang, Yuda Zhao, Nicholas Turetta, Chun Ma, Bin Han, Haiming Zhang, Diana Tranca, Xiaodong Zhuang, Lifeng Chi, Artur Ciesielski, Paolo Samori
Summary: The authors functionalize monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides with hydrogen-bonded 2D supramolecular networks, leading to enhanced catalytic activity and n-doping effect for hydrogen evolution reactions.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhiya Han, Diana Tranca, Fermin Rodriguez-Hernandez, Kaiyue Jiang, Jichao Zhang, Mingyuan He, Fu Wang, Sheng Han, Peng Wu, Xiaodong Zhuang
Summary: In this study, a plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition method is used to anchor transition metal element onto 2D conductive material. Ru single-atom and Ru-cluster-embedded perovskite oxide are discovered with promising electrocatalysis performance for electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction (ENRR). This study not only provides a unique strategy toward transition-metal-anchored new 2D conductive materials, but also paves the way for fundamental understanding the correlation between cluster-involved single-atom sites and catalytic performance.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Zhiya Han, Senhe Huang, Jichao Zhang, Fu Wang, Sheng Han, Peng Wu, Mingyuan He, Xiaodong Zhuang
Summary: This study reports a new design strategy to enhance the catalytic performance of the electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) by involving topological defects and corresponding large polarization around the Ru single atom. The study found that by using a 5,7-membered carbon ring involved porous carbon (PC) preparation, single-atom Ru-embedded PCs exhibited promising catalytic NRR properties. By modulating the coordination environment of the single-atom Ru active sites, higher NH3 yield rate and Faradaic efficiency can be achieved. This design strategy can also be applied to other types of catalysts for energy storage and conversion.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Wen Fang Wei, Xue Li, Kaiyue Jiang, Bin Zhang, Xiaodong Zhuang, Tao Cai
Summary: This study investigates the use of edge-functionalized metal-free polyphthalocyanine networks (PPc-x) as photocatalysts for efficient polymer synthesis under near infrared (NIR) light. It was found that both phenyl-edged PPc-x (PPc-p) and naphthyl-edged PPc-x (PPc-n) showed promising performance for photopolymerization. The PPc-n catalyst allowed for the synthesis of well-defined polymers within a few hours under the regulation of three NIR lights, with excellent control over molecular weight and distribution.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Nikolaos Tzoganakis, Dimitris Tsikritzis, Konstantinos Chatzimanolis, Xiaodong Zhuang, Emmanuel Kymakis
Summary: The most widely used hole-transport layer (HTL) material for perovskite solar cells (PSCs) is still Spiro-OMeTAD, which requires heavy doping with Li-TFSI. However, the long-term stability and performance of PSCs are often impacted by the residual insoluble dopants and Li+ diffusion. An alternative low-cost HTL material called X60 has attracted attention, but it also requires doping with Li-TFSI and faces the same problems. In this study, we propose using a lithium-free dopamine called EMIM-TFSI as a dopant for X60, resulting in a high-quality HTL with improved conductivity and stability.
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Shahzeb Ali Samad, Ziyu Fang, Pengfei Shi, Jinhui Zhu, Chenbao Lu, Yuezeng Su, Xiaodong Zhuang
Summary: Zn-air batteries are a promising source of renewable energy due to their low-cost and high energy density. The efficiency of these batteries relies on the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), making the development of efficient electrochemical catalysts crucial. This review summarizes various rational preparation methods for porous carbon nanosheets (PCNs) as catalysts, classifies catalytic active sites in PCNs, and discusses the relationship between performance and active sites. The challenges and future prospects of developing PCN-based catalysts for Zn-air batteries are also discussed. This review provides a guideline for the development of novel porous carbon-based materials for energy conversion and storage.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Qiwen Zhang, Haofei Wu, Senhe Huang, Xiaoran Zhao, Chen Hou, Xiaodong Zhuang, Mingliang Wang, Jiuhui Han, Qing Chen, Pan Liu
Summary: Developing cost-effective, active, and robust oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrocatalysts in alkaline electrolytes is crucial for the efficient conversion of renewable energy resources. In this study, 3D bicontinuous Mo-doped nanoporous NiFe oxide nanowires exhibited an efficient electro-catalytic OER performance. The catalyst demonstrated exceptional activity with a low overpotential and a small Tafel slope, outperforming most of the benchmark materials.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Jingyan Li, Jiayao Luo, Xiang Li, Yongzhu Fu, Jinhui Zhu, Xiaodong Zhuang
Summary: Sulfide solid electrolyte-based all-solid-state Li batteries can solve the problems of low energy density and safety concern of current Li-ion batteries. However, practical application faces issues at the interface between Li metal anode and SSEs. This study reviews the problems and offers solutions for the LMA-SSE interface, including the side reactions of SSEs, Li dendrite growth, and poor contact between the electrode and electrolyte. Strategies to improve interface robustness and characterization methods for analyzing interface evolution are discussed, along with limitations and future research directions.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Chengze Song, Kaiyue Jiang, Pengfei Shi, Xinyu Chai, Jichao Zhang, Chenbao Lu, Yuezeng Su, Xiaodong Zhuang, Tianfu Wang
Summary: In this study, bismuth sulfide-bismuth oxychloride heterojunctions were synthesized and used as electrocatalysts for CO2 reduction reaction, achieving high formate selectivity of 97.2% at a large current density. The conversion of BiOCl to metallic Bi at negative potential forms a Bi2S3-Bi heterojunction, which increases the density of states around the Fermi level and decreases the energy barrier for CO2 conversion, promoting the electrocatalytic CO2 reduction reaction. This work not only provides an in-depth study of the application of Bi-involved heterojunctions for CO2 conversion, but also proposes a new strategy for the development of efficient catalysts for industrial-level CO2 conversion.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Qiqi Wan, Gang Zhu, Tianhui Li, Yingying Liu, Donghao Ye, Ao Wang, Junbo Hou, Yuanting Peng, Chengwei Deng, Xiaodong Zhuang, Junliang Zhang, Changchun Ke
Summary: In our latest experiments, we accidentally observed a sharp increase in the current density of CO2 electrochemical reduction reaction (CO2RR) in a zero-gap electrolyzer operating at a constant cell voltage. This was found to be due to an undesirable oxygen reduction reaction on the cathode, caused by oxygen crossover from the anode. Oxygen crossover is an inevitable issue in zero-gap electrolyzers and can lead to inaccurate evaluation of CO2RR performance. To address this, we qualitatively measured O2 permeation flux and permeability and systematically investigated the impact of materials, electrode designs, and operating conditions.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2023)
Article
Electrochemistry
Jinyi He, Tianhui Li, Yingying Liu, Ao Wang, Wenxing Jiang, Chengwei Deng, Junbo Hou, Xiaodong Zhuang, Junliang Zhang, Changchun Ke
Summary: This study investigates the influence of impurities in industrial 3,3'-diaminobenzidine (DAB) on the synthesis of polybenzimidazole (PBI) and explores the possibility of synthesizing PBI using purified low cost & high impurity industrial DAB. The results show that impurities adversely affect the properties of PBI, but the performance can be improved using a purification method. The application performance of PBI synthesized using purified industrial DAB in HT-PEMFC is evaluated.
JOURNAL OF THE ELECTROCHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Qiqi Wan, Lei Yuan, Wenxing Jiang, Yingying Liu, Longhai Zhang, Xiaodong Zhuang, Junliang Zhang, Changchun Ke
Summary: A wettability regulation strategy using a microporous layer with a hydrophobicity gradient (HG-MPL) is proposed to enhance the electrochemical CO2 reduction (CO2 RR) in zero-gap electrolyzers. The HG-MPL effectively manages the CO2 and electrolyte, while maintaining the hydration of the catalyst layer (CL) and facilitating gaseous CO2 transport. Tests show that the HG-MPL leads to a current density of >200 mA cm(-2) with a Faradaic efficiency for CO of approximately 89% at 3.5 V, significantly improving the performance of the electrolyzer.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Senhe Huang, Diana Tranca, Fermin Rodriguez-Hernandez, Jichao Zhang, Chenbao Lu, Jinhui Zhu, Hai-Wei Liang, Xiaodong Zhuang
Summary: In this study, the catalytic oxygen reduction activity of N-confused metalloporphyrins (NCPor-Ms) with N3C1-anchored single-metal-sites (SMSs) was calculated and synthesized. Among them, NCPor-Co showed the highest catalytic activity and half-wave potential. The high activity of NCPor-Co can be attributed to its electron-rich, low band gap, and regulated d-band center.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Electrochemistry
Ke Ye, Guiru Zhang, Baoxin Ni, Liang Guo, Chengwei Deng, Xiaodong Zhuang, Changying Zhao, Wen-Bin Cai, Kun Jiang
Summary: This study presents a differential electrochemical mass spectroscopic approach to investigate the complex environment of CO2 reduction reaction, which could contribute to the achievement of a sustainable circular carbon economy.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mengjia Wang, Ruichun Luo, Yuxin Liu, Xiaoran Zhao, Xiaodong Zhuang, Wen Wu Xu, Mingwei Chen, Pan Liu
Summary: The interface engineering of 2D transition metal dichalcogenides (2D-TMDs) and metals is an efficient method to adjust their electrical and optoelectronic properties. In this study, a 2D non-van der Waals (vdW) Mo-rich phase was discovered during the growth of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) from a Mo-Au surface alloy in a S-poor environment. This Mo-rich phase preferentially nucleates between the outermost 2D MoS2 and a 3D nanostructured Au substrate, leading to a n-type contact interface with an ultralow transition energy barrier height.
