Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Someswara Rao Kosuru, Yu-Lun Chang, Po-Yu Chen, Wei Lee, Yi-Chun Lai, Shangwu Ding, Hsuan-Ying Chen, Hsing-Yin Chen, Yung-Chi Chang
Summary: Aluminum complexes with different ligands were synthesized in this study, with the reduced form showing higher catalytic activity. Thioether group was found to be a suitable chelating group for Al catalysts in CL polymerization due to its labile nature, as revealed by density functional theory calculations.
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Yuliya A. Piskun, Evgenii A. Ksendzov, Anastasiya V. Resko, Mikhail A. Soldatov, Peter Timashev, Hongzhi Liu, Irina V. Vasilenko, Sergei V. Kostjuk
Summary: The bulk ring-opening polymerization of epsilon-caprolactone was studied using a phosphazene-containing porous polymeric material (HPCP) as the catalyst at high reaction temperatures (130-150 degrees). HPCP, in combination with benzyl alcohol as an initiator, enabled the controlled living ROP of epsilon-caprolactone, producing polyesters with controlled molecular weights up to 6000 g/mol and moderate polydispersity. Higher molecular weight poly(epsilon-caprolactone) was obtained at a lower temperature of 130 degrees C. The HPCP catalyst demonstrated high thermal and chemical stability, allowing for reuse in multiple cycles without significant loss in efficiency. A tentative mechanism involving the activation of the initiator through the basic sites of the catalyst was proposed.
Article
Polymer Science
Martin Castillo-Santillan, Jose Roman Torres-Lubian, Antonio Martinez-Richa, Silvia T. Huerta-Marcial, Maria C. Gutierrez, Katja Loos, Maria Guadalupe Perez-Garcia, Josue D. Mota-Morales
Summary: This work provides new insights into the ring-opening polymerization of L-lactide and e-caprolactone, leading to the synthesis of polymer blends and a block copolymer. The selection of parameters and catalysts allows for the production of polyesters with tunable properties and controlled degradation profiles.
Review
Polymer Science
Yihuan Liu, Fan Yin, Xin Hu, Ning Zhu, Kai Guo
Summary: The review summarized the methods of non-metal and metal catalytic unprotected mercapto-alcohol initiating ring-opening polymerization, emphasizing the advantages of using flow chemistry. The remaining challenges and opportunities for the development of thiol-polymer synthesis and applications were discussed.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sara Comini, Rosaria Sparti, Bartolomeo Coppola, Mehdi Mohammadi, Sara Scutera, Francesca Menotti, Giuliana Banche, Anna Maria Cuffini, Paola Palmero, Valeria Allizond
Summary: Novel poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL)-based biomaterials were developed in this study with bioactive properties from biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) and antibacterial protection from silver nitrate. The silver-enriched biomaterials showed significant reduction in Staphylococcus aureus, but a decrease in cell viability was observed.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ahmed Abd El-Fattah, Elizabeth Grillo Fernandes, Federica Chiellini, Emo Chiellini
Summary: Amphiphilic copolymers with interesting architecture and tunable properties are promising materials for biomedical applications. Enzymatic catalysis provides a suitable alternative for the preparation of these materials without the use of toxic catalysts. The structure-property relationship of copolymers was studied by varying the molecular weight of Pluronic (EPE) and the molar ratios between ε-caprolactone monomer and EPE macro-initiator (M/In). The obtained copolymers were chemically characterized and their morphologies evaluated. The results showed a correlation between the differential scanning calorimetry data and X-ray diffraction data, suggesting the importance of the central block length in crystal formation. Preliminary cytotoxicity experiments confirmed the non-toxic nature of the copolymers.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Quinten Thijssen, Astrid Quaak, Joseph Toombs, Elly De Vlieghere, Laurens Parmentier, Hayden Taylor, Sandra Van Vlierberghe
Summary: Current biodegradable and cross-linkable polymers mainly rely on acrylate crosslinking, but their brittleness limits their applicability. In this study, photo-cross-linkable poly(e-caprolactone) networks through orthogonal thiol-ene chemistry are introduced, which show improved mechanical properties compared to acrylate cross-linked materials. The tunability of the materials is evaluated by altering the molar mass between cross-links, and their biocompatibility and volumetric printability are demonstrated. This research opens up new possibilities for bedside manufacturing of biodegradable patient-specific implants.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ying Chen, Feng Hu, Yanan Hao, Yonghan Wang, Yaoyi Xie, Hui Wang, Lijie Yin, Deshuang Yu, Hongchao Yang, Jun Ma, Dan Kai, Linlin Li, Shengjie Peng
Summary: The study successfully designed a novel thiol-capped silver electrocatalyst for efficient CO2 reduction to CO. Thiols play an important role in the electrochemical CO2 reduction process.
Article
Polymer Science
Chun-Juei Chang, Wei Lee, Yu-Chi Liou, Yu-Lun Chang, Yi-Chun Lai, Shangwu Ding, Hsuan-Ying Chen, Hsing-Yin Chen, Yung-Chi Chang
Summary: The study demonstrated that dinuclear aluminum complexes exhibited higher catalytic activity than mononuclear aluminum complexes, particularly those with 1,3-substituted phenyl ligands. One Al atom in the dinuclear Al system acted as an electron-withdrawing group, influencing the other Al atom through associated aromatic ligands, thereby enhancing catalytic activity for the ROP of CL.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Yalei Liu, Xinhui Kou, Chen Xu, Wei Zhou, Hongshu Zhang, Fusheng Liu, Yong Shen, Zhibo Li
Summary: The chemoselective ring-opening copolymerization (ROCP) of MVL with CL has been achieved using an organophosphazene/urea binary catalyst, resulting in functional P(MVL-co-CL) copolyesters with a modifiable double bond. The pendent double bond of the copolyesters can be post-functionalized by the thiol-Michael addition reaction to obtain thiolated copolyesters.
Article
Biophysics
Sophie Shin Lu, You -Ren Lai, Li-Hsing Hsiao, Hsin-Yi Huang, Ya-Hui Tsai, Yun Chen, Steven S. -S. Wang, Yi-Chun Yeh, Shen-Long Tsai
Summary: This study investigates the influence of amino acid-modified silver nanoparticles on amyloid fibril formation. The results show that the modified nanoparticles can suppress amyloid fibrillogenesis and induce structural changes in proteins.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES B-BIOINTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Rajesh Patra, Debajit Sarma
Summary: Thiol-containing biomolecules, such as cysteine and glutathione, have important roles in regulating polarity and reactivity. Thiol MOFs, a subclass of functional MOFs, are relatively unexplored due to synthetic challenges and stability and storage issues. However, they have advantages due to the reactivity and affinity of the thiol groups with soft metal ions. In this study, a thiol MOF was functionalized with silver ions to create a silver nanoparticle-functionalized heterogeneous catalyst (Ag@Zr-DMBD), which showed efficient CO2 fixation to cyclic carbonates under mild conditions.
DALTON TRANSACTIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Lu Wang, Lan Zhang, Baoxian Ye
Summary: An efficient method for in-situ assembly of silver nanoparticles on glycine functionalized graphene has been proposed, which only requires a simple hydrothermal reaction. The microstructure of the material was characterized and the electrochemical sensor prepared showed improved performance compared to the control samples. The electrochemical reaction mechanism and quantitative analysis of bergenin were studied, and the analytical availability of the sensor was demonstrated in real-life samples.
MICROCHEMICAL JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Melika Sharahi, Ahmad Hivechi, S. Hajir Bahrami, Nahid Hemmatinejad, Peiman B. Milan
Summary: This study produced nanoparticles from walnut shells and co-electrospun them with polycaprolactone and gelatin to create nanofibers with excellent mechanical properties. The nanofiber scaffolds showed excellent viability, growth, and proliferation of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hai-Bo Wu, Xian-Tai Zhou, Xiao-Wu Zhou, Yan-Xiong Fang
Summary: A feasible industrial method for poly(e-caprolactone) (PCL) preparation using benzoic acid as organocatalyst was developed. Benzoic acid was proved to efficiently catalyze the ring-opening polymerization of e-caprolactone (e-CL) under mild conditions. The conversion of e-CL to PCL reached 84.7% under optimized reaction conditions, with a number-average molecular weight (Mn) of 7700 g/mol and dispersity (PDI) of 1.25. Additionally, a monomer-activated ring-opening polymerization mechanism mediated by benzoic acid was proposed.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xin Hu, Hui Zhang, Deqi Wu, Dongmei Yin, Ning Zhu, Kai Guo, Chunhua Lu
Summary: In this study, covalently bonded cross-linked inorganic-polymer nanocomposites were designed and prepared. By improving the dispersity of nanofillers in the matrix and forming a network structure, increased dielectric constant, suppressed dielectric loss, and elevated breakdown strength were achieved. The optimal sample exhibited an ultrahigh energy density, providing a potential alternative for the design of high-performance dielectric materials.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Shuangfei Zhao, Yingying Nie, Yimin Wei, Pengjie Yu, Wei He, Ning Zhu, Yuguang Li, Dong Ji, Kai Guo
Summary: The uniformity of mixing plays a crucial role in liquid-liquid two-phase chemical processes. This study proposes a specific surface area ratio to quantify the uniformity and designs a millimeter-scale mixer with a special baffle structure. By optimizing the baffle parameters, the specific surface area ratio and treatment capacity of the mixer are significantly improved.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL REACTOR ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yingying Nie, Shuangfei Zhao, Pengjie Yu, Yimin Wei, Runze Hu, Wei He, Ning Zhu, Yuguang Li, Dong Ji, Kai Guo
Summary: Due to scale effects, directly enlarging the size of the micromixer is an easy way to reduce the efficiency of mass and heat transfer in the continuous flow chemical process. A scale-up microfluidic mixer with a porous structure was designed to improve the mass and heat transfer efficiency. The effects of rotation angle, porosity, and baffle spacing were studied to optimize the mixer structure. Compared with the 1 mm mixer without structure, the scale-up mixer has a higher mixing efficiency and an 80% reduction in energy consumption at Re >= 700. The heat transfer efficiency of the mixer during fluid heating was evaluated using a Nusselt number. The results show that the porous baffle promotes the generation of secondary flow and enhances the heat transfer effect, making its Nu increase by three times compared with the unstructured mixer. The scale-up microfluidic mixer with a porous structure effectively improves the mass and heat transfer performance. This study can provide a reference for the design or development of a novel scale-up mixer.
CANADIAN JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Huan Liang, Dongmei Yin, Lina Shi, Yihuan Liu, Xin Hu, Ning Zhu, Kai Guo
Summary: Functionalized cellulose has gained research interests for its potential in highly functional and environmentally friendly materials. Surface modification of cellulose via photo-induced click reaction integrates the advantages of photochemistry, click reaction, and surface modification. In this review, recent progress in cellulose surface modification using photo-induced click reactions is summarized. Different click reactions, such as thiol-X and cycloaddition reactions, are compared and their applications in cellulose modification are discussed. The challenges and outlook of photo-induced click reaction in cellulose surface modification are also addressed.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jiming Yang, Shulin Wang, Fudong Bai, Xingmei Lu, Wei He, Zheng Fang, Ning Zhu, Kai Guo
Summary: Pretreatment of lignocellulose with a binary system consisting of 1-n-butyl-3-methylimidazole chloride (BMIMCl) and arginine (Arg) at temperatures higher than the glass transition temperature of lignin (Tg-lignin) can effectively reduce cellulose crystallinity and lignin content, improving enzymatic hydrolysis efficiency and reducing enzyme dosage.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Thermodynamics
Pengjie Yu, Shuangfei Zhao, Yingying Nie, Yimin Wei, Runze Hu, Wei He, Ning Zhu, Yuguang Li, Dong Ji, Kai Guo
Summary: This study designed and optimized a novel mixer with triangular-notched rectangular baffles structure, and characterized its performance by combining heat and mass transfer computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method. The results showed that the optimized mixer had a significant increase in mixing efficiency and heat transfer compared to the mixer without baffles structure. Furthermore, the scale-up strategy for continuous flow chemical process enhancement was provided by enlarging the size of the mixer with triangular-notched rectangular baffles structures.
NUMERICAL HEAT TRANSFER PART A-APPLICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Shucheng Liu, Ying Sun, Danzhao Guo, Yuying Mao, Bin Bai, Zhenjiang Li
Summary: Capsule-like boronate affinity covalent organic framework microcapsules (BA-TAPB-BTAC-BPTA MC) were successfully synthesized through a two-step continuous Pickering emulsion interfacial assembly. The microcapsules exhibited excellent adsorption capacity (20.36 μmol g-1) and stability (93.57% after 5 cycles) for selective separation of Naringin (NRG) in a phosphate buffer/methanol solution. This study provides a promising strategy for the construction of affinity ligand COFs microcapsules with fast penetrability and multilayered binding sites for separation and purification of industrial samples.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Bo Liu, Tong Duan, Zhenjiang Li, Weizhou Huang, Jinlan Li, Tianyu Zhu, Canliang Ma, Jie Sun, Kai Guo
Summary: The metal-and halide-free catalyst DABCO center dot HSac, consisting of 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO) and saccharin (HSac), effectively catalyzes the cycloaddition of CO2 into epoxides. The catalytic cycle involves the nucleophilic attack of the saccharinate anion on the methylene carbon of the epoxide ring, while the onium cation DABCO-H+ activates the epoxide. The use of non-halide anions as nucleophiles in halide-free catalyst design expands the possibilities for catalyst discovery.
Article
Polymer Science
Yuanyuan Qu, Junyuan Hu, Fengzhen Guo, Dong Ji, Yuguang Li, Zhenjiang Li, Yunsheng Xu, Jin Huang, Lili Zhao, Kai Guo
Summary: Controlling polymerization thermodynamics and kinetics allows for the creation of polymers with specific properties. In this study, the ring-opening polymerization of tetraethylene glycol carbonate (4EGMC) was carried out using an alkali cation (M+)-based binary catalytic system at room temperature. The introduction of a guanidine catalyst (TBD) significantly accelerated the reaction, with the alkali cation-assisted ring-opening polymerization of macrocyclic carbonate occurring approximately 120-270 times faster compared to the reaction without an alkali metal cation. The interaction between 4EGMC and M+ increased the ring strain and altered the driving force of polymerization, highlighting the crucial role of alkali cations in regulating the ring-opening polymerization of macrocyclic carbonate.
Article
Polymer Science
Yihuan Liu, Guoqing Zuo, Han Gao, Zhao Wu, Wei Huang, Canliang Ma, Jie Yin, Xin Hu, Ning Zhu, Kai Guo
Summary: Poly(epsilon-caprolactone-co-epsilon-caprolactam) was successfully synthesized through ring-opening copolymerization and its thermal and mechanical properties were investigated. The results showed that the thermal properties of the polymer varied with the ester content, and the mechanical properties decreased with increasing epsilon-caprolactone incorporation.
POLYMER INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xuesuo Ma, Jiaxi Xu, Jingjing Liu, Jun He, Tong Chang, Qingbiao Yang, Ning Li, Dong Qian, Zhenjiang Li
Summary: H-bonding has achieved significant progress by utilizing an H-bond donor (HBD) and an H-bond acceptor (HBA). This study introduces a new type of organic ion pair that exhibits cooperative catalytic effects. A new mechanism of H-bonding catalysis is proposed.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Zhihao Zhang, Yongwei Ni, Zhenjiang Li, Jun He, Xin Zou, Xin Yuan, Ziqi Liu, Shaoju Cao, Canliang Ma, Kai Guo
Summary: We developed a neutral organocatalyst, amino-cyclopro-penium halide, for the [3 + 2] cycloaddition of glycidol and isocyanate to prepare optically active oxazolidinone. The presence of an organic ion pair allowed for the coupling of glycidol with isocyanate followed by cyclization. The mild H-bonding coordination between the catalyst and substrate prevented non-selective ring-opening and racemization.
MOLECULAR CATALYSIS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Na Shi, Longlin Lu, Fengzhen Guo, Zhenjiang Li, Lei Shen, Jin Huang, Kai Guo
Summary: This article reports a one-pot, one-step strategy for synthesizing cyclic amphiphilic block copolymers. The copolymerization temperature affects the block length of the copolymer, and scanning and transmission electron microscopy reveal the formation of nanostructures.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Wei Lu, Ruijia Wang, Muqing Si, Yi Zhang, Shuangshuang Wu, Ning Zhu, Wenqin Wang, Tao Chen
Summary: In this study, robust fluorescent polymeric hydrogel actuators with spatially anisotropic structures were constructed using an interfacial supramolecular assembly (ISA) approach, enabling control over synergistic shape/color-changing behaviors. The proposed ISA approach is universal and expected to open new avenues for developing bioinspired intelligent soft actuators/robotics with selective spatial shape/color-changing behaviors.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Huiyue Wang, Xin Hu, Yujing Hu, Ning Zhu, Kai Guo
Summary: This review highlights the advantages and challenges of enzyme-catalyzed ATRP in the large-scale preparation of functionalized polymers/copolymers, and summarizes the application of various enzyme/enzyme mimics catalysis systems.
PROGRESS IN CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Yuanzhang Jiang, Xuyi Wang, Yanting Han, Dakai Gong, Yingchun Gu, Lin Tan
Summary: In this study, FeCl3 and poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) were doped into waterborne polyurethanes (WPUs) to create multifunctional materials with self-healing and antimicrobial properties. WPU/Fe/PAA-5.5, containing 5.5 wt % PAA, exhibited excellent mechanical properties, strong self-healing capabilities, and an impressive antimicrobial rate of over 90%. These supramolecular films were also highly recyclable through hot-pressing.
Article
Polymer Science
Longyu Tian, Min Wang, Guangming Liao, Baoliang Liu, Sujuan Zhang, Yucheng Sun, Zhen Meng, Jintao Zhang, Zaijun Lu
Summary: Two kinds of benzoxazine monomers were synthesized and used to prepare polybenzoxazine anion exchange membranes (AEMs) with quaternary ammonium functionalization. The LQPBZ AEM exhibited better ion conductivity and alkaline stability.
Article
Polymer Science
Claire A. Lemarchand
Summary: This study investigates the shock behavior of three different polymers through molecular dynamics simulations. The results reveal specificities in the shock behavior of polymers, including deviations from the linear relation between shock velocity and particle velocity, as well as differences in shear stress relaxation behind the shock front. It is found that the deviation of the Hugoniot locus is related to the change in the relative contribution of bonding and non-bonding potential energies, while polymers with higher glass transition temperatures exhibit slower shear stress relaxation.
Article
Polymer Science
Zengquan Liu, Xiaochun Yin, He Zhang, Shuo Gao, Qinglin Kuang, Yanhong Feng
Summary: A powder solid-state extension (PSSE) technology was proposed to address the high melt viscosity issue of UHMWPE. By uniaxial extension and sintering in the solid state, a highly self-reinforced material was prepared. X-ray diffraction and scattering techniques were used to study the structural evolution during the PSSE process, and a solid-phase induced transformation model was established.
Article
Polymer Science
Zhike Li, Anyu Luo, Rui Zhou, Xin Li, Haiyan Li
Summary: A novel high temperature resistance IL@SiO2 nanocapsules were successfully prepared and their friction and wear properties in PA6 composites were studied. The addition of IL@SiO2 nanocapsules reduced the friction coefficient and wear rate without affecting the mechanical properties of PA6. The synergy between the IL core and SiO2 wall in the nanocapsules improved the self-lubricating performance of the PA6 composites.
Article
Polymer Science
Xin Liu, Xuhong Guo, Qi Liao
Summary: In this study, an algorithm for accurately estimating viscosity is developed using molecular dynamics simulations and the Green-Kubo formula. This algorithm can be applied to complex systems with long correlations, such as macromolecular and biological simulation systems.
Article
Polymer Science
Hao Pu, Yun-Lei Hou, Jing -Zhou Chen, Dong -Lin Zhao
Summary: The use of modified graphene improves the interfacial adherence of carbon fibers to epoxy resin, resulting in enhanced interfacial and bending properties of CF and matrix in CF/EP composites, as well as increased interlaminar shear strength and flexural strength.
Article
Polymer Science
Wei-Chung Ke, Jin-Wei Lin, Manohar Reddy Busireddy, Yueh-Hsing Lee, Jiun-Tai Chen, Chain-Shu Hsu
Summary: This study introduces a crosslinkable monomer, TAIC, to synthesize three crosslinked polyimide films, which exhibit improved thermal, mechanical, and dielectric properties. The introduction of TAIC enhances the tensile strength, reduces the dielectric constant and dielectric loss, and decreases the coefficient of thermal expansion of the polyimide films.
Article
Polymer Science
Alex Kwasi Kumi, Ruiling Fan, Ye Chen, Yumei Zhang
Summary: The difference in leaching of amylopectin from cellulose/amylopectin/1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([Bmim][Cl]) blends during regeneration in water and aqueous ethanol has been studied. Molecular dynamics simulations showed that the dissolution and regeneration mechanisms of amylopectin in [Bmim][Cl] are similar to cellulose in ionic liquids. Water regeneration leads to weak electrostatic interactions, resulting in high leaching of amylopectin. In contrast, ethanol-water interactions enhance electrostatic interactions among amylopectin chains, limiting amylopectin leaching in aqueous ethanol.
Article
Polymer Science
Xi Zeng, Junwei Zhou, Junbiao Peng, Chunsheng Zhang, Danling Wang, Yihu Song, Qiang Zheng
Summary: This study utilizes an oligomer deep eutectic solvent (DES) based on polyethylene glycol to regulate the vulcanization kinetics of rubber. The results show that the DES can accelerate vulcanization at low temperatures without affecting the crosslinking density and Mullins effect.
Article
Polymer Science
Qianqian Yue, Yongfei Peng, Xingjian Liu, Aihua He, Huarong Nie
Summary: The addition of metal deactivators can effectively suppress the aging of TBIR, prolong its lifespan, and have no negative effects on its physical and processing properties. These research findings are of great importance for improving the stability and aging resistance of polymers.
Article
Polymer Science
J. Gomez-Caturla, J. Ivorra-Martinez, R. Tejada-Oliveros, V Moreno, D. Garcia-Garcia, R. Balart
Summary: This work focuses on the development of environmentally friendly PLA formulations by using different esters derived from geraniol as plasticizers. The results show that these esters have good compatibility with PLA, and they can effectively enhance the elongation and plasticity of PLA, reduce its glass transition temperature, and slightly improve its water absorption capabilities.
Article
Polymer Science
Dandan Li, Zhaohui Lu, Zhao Ke, Ke Xu, Fengna Dai, Youhai Yu, Guangtao Qian, Chunhai Chen
Summary: In this study, cross-linked PI aerogel membranes with low dielectric constant and high moisture resistance were prepared by co-polymerization and scraping coating technology. The incorporation of fluorinated blocks and benzimidazole ring structures resulted in novel PI aerogel membranes with fascinating dielectric properties and outstanding moisture resistance.
Article
Polymer Science
Zhaoyang Chu, Qing Zhang, Haihua Luo, Han Zhou, Fapei Zhang, Wei Chen, Wenhua Zhang
Summary: Multi-physical fields solution processing strategy is a universal and facile method for preparing various conjugated polymer films and high-performance devices. In this study, we employed a combined microfluidic flow and ultrasonication strategy (FU) for processing CP solutions, and found a pronounced synergetic effect in promoting the pre-ordering of chains in solution. The conformation order and anisotropy of the solution were revealed through various characterizations. A non-classical nucleation model for polymer crystallization in non-equilibrium solution processing was confirmed. The roles of microfluidic flow and ultrasonication in chain aggregation and crystallization were addressed through multi-physical simulations. Compared to pristine solutions, the FU strategy showed improved solution anisotropy and crystallization kinetics, resulting in higher crystallinity in films and increased mobilities in OFET devices. The FU processing strategy provides a universal approach for regulating chain conformation and aggregation in conjugated polymer solutions.
