Article
Polymer Science
Jun Yuan, Xiang Liu, Yingying Wang, Guangjian Zeng, Gang Li, Xue-Hui Dong, Tao Wen
Summary: This study investigates the self-assembly behavior of chiral block copolymers under one-dimensional spatial confinement, revealing the formation of chiral nanostructures and the influence of shape and topology on self-assembly.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yue Zhang, Changlan Xu, Daowen Zhang, Xiaoai Chen
Summary: Nanoscale proteinosomes were fabricated through molecular recognition between CD-BSA and adamantyl group anchored at the junction of a thermoresponsive block copolymer. The self-assembly of two PDEGMA copolymers into polymersomes led to the formation of miktoarm star-like bioconjugates. These bioconjugates self-assembled into proteinosomes above their LCSTs, maintaining the secondary structure and esterase activity of BSA. The proteinosomes showed low toxicity and could deliver doxorubicin into 4T1 cells.
Article
Polymer Science
Ruth N. Schmarsow, Ulises Casado, Marcelo Ceolin, Ileana A. Zucchi, Alejandro J. Mueller, Walter F. Schroeder
Summary: There is increasing interest in the study of supramolecular networks formed by self-assembly of amphiphilic molecules due to their responsive behavior to external stimuli. Embedding these networks into polymer matrices can lead to functional polymers with various applications. This study investigates the behavior of supramolecular networks in a rubbery polymer matrix and reveals the influence of diffusional and topological limitations on the dynamics and crystallization within the network. Mechanical tests show that the deformation capacity of these materials can be precisely tuned by programming the temperature within the melting range of the supramolecular network.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
M. Paula Vena, Demi de Moor, Alessandro Ianiro, Remco Tuinier, Joseph P. Patterson
Summary: This paper presents kinetic state diagrams of polystyrene-b-poly(ethylene oxide) block copolymer in water by altering solvent-switch assembly conditions. The study shows that polymer concentration is crucial in determining accessible morphologies, and vesicles can transform into particles with complex internal structures. Data reveals a complex relationship between all parameters and resulting kinetically trapped morphologies, emphasizing the need for in situ and ex situ studies for a fundamental understanding of block copolymer assembly processes.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chirag Miglani, Maqsuma Banoo, Debasish Nath, Jahanvi Ralhan, Soma Sil, Jojo P. Joseph, Santanu K. Pal, Ujjal Gautam, Asish Pal
Summary: We have designed stimuli-responsive copolymers that can undergo chain collapse and transform into micelles in response to light, redox, and chemical cues. Interestingly, the co-assembled vesicles of the polymer blend exhibit self-sorting behavior, forming both micelles and vesicles under orthogonal stimuli.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Wei Wen, Aihua Chen
Summary: By intrachain photo-cross-linking of azobenzene-containing amphiphilic linear block copolymer precursors, photoresponsive liquid crystalline SCJNPs were constructed and their self-assembly behavior in solution was investigated. Non-spherical assemblies were obtained, including lamellae and tubes, under the effect of the liquid crystal driving force. Additionally, photoinduced morphological transformations were observed for assemblies with different azobenzene contents.
Article
Polymer Science
Mingwei Tian, Chen Ma, Xiaoyu Huang, Guolin Lu, Chun Feng
Summary: A general and efficient strategy for preparing fiber-like magnetic nanostructures (MNs) with tunable lengths, colloidal and morphological stability, and functionalization capacity has been reported in this study, offering a new avenue for fabricating MNs with diverse functionalities for broad applications.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shaofei Song, Hang Zhou, Ian Manners, Mitchell A. Winnik
Summary: The study demonstrates that BCPs with polydisperse corona chains can lead to a broad range of uniform structures in a single pot via a single heating-cooling-aging process, potentially opening doors to useful applications.
Article
Polymer Science
Yingze Liu, Hanying Zhao
Summary: The applications of materials are closely linked to surface structures and properties. Surface coassembly of block copolymers (BCPs) and polymer brushes is an effective method for fabricating structures with tunable properties, as well as for synthesizing hybrid materials with hierarchical nanostructures. This method involves the fusion of silica particles with PS brushes and BCP vesicles, leading to the formation of large compound structures. The addition of PS in the coassembly process increases the volume percentage of the solvophobic component in the system, resulting in the fabrication of various hybrid materials with hierarchical macro-/mesostructures.
Article
Polymer Science
Hanna Huebner, Bart-Jan Niebuur, Thomas Buettner, Marcus Koch, Bernd Stuehn, Tobias Kraus, David Scheschkewitz, Markus Gallei
Summary: This study characterizes the self-assembled structures of PDMSB-b-P2VP block copolymer in different solvents and evaluates its response to different solvents and temperatures. The influence of additional solvents, temperature, and ultrasonication on colloidal dispersion is investigated. Additionally, the introduction of surfactants in the solvent evaporation method leads to a plethora of additional colloidal structures.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hoang M. Nguyen, Ariane V. Mader, Swarnalok De, Jaana Vapaavuori
Summary: The effect of dip-coating parameters on the morphology evolution of BCP thin films was studied, obtaining a hexagonally packed BCP pattern with long-range order without the need for post-annealing processes. This study extends the understanding of the parameters affecting the formed surface patterns and their interplay to more materials.
NANOSCALE ADVANCES
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Seungbae Jeon, Taesuk Jun, Seungyun Jo, Kyungkon Kim, Byeongdu Lee, Sangwoo Lee, Du Yeol Ryu
Summary: This study presents a new approach to control sphere-packing phases by modulating homologous copolymer chain configurations. Different block copolymers were synthesized, and it was found that molecular configuration differences led to the formation of different packing phases.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yury Kriksin
Summary: The paper examines the formation of stable 3D bicontinuous morphologies in a solution of symmetric diblock copolymers with a nonselective solvent that wets the thin film on the patterned substrate. Through straightforward self-consistent field calculations, it is shown that the formation of these morphologies in solutions can lead to faster thermodynamic equilibration compared to melts, which could facilitate the production of stable morphologies in thin films of copolymers.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Min Ren, Zaiyan Hou, Xihuang Zheng, Jiangping Xu, Jintao Zhu
Summary: Understanding microphase separation of charged block copolymers is crucial for developing materials with tunable structures. By adjusting the charge fraction and block ratio of BCPs, various morphologies of BCP particles can be obtained. Additionally, the addition of inorganic salts affects the assembly of charged PS-b-P4VP, with morphology dependent on the hydration nature of counterions.
Article
Physics, Condensed Matter
Sophia A. Pavlenko, Daniil E. Larin, Elena N. Govorun
Summary: This study theoretically investigates the self-assembly structures of thermoresponsive polymers and compares them with other types of copolymers through simulation calculations.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICS-CONDENSED MATTER
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
James W. Borchert, R. Thomas Weitz, Sabine Ludwigs, Hagen Klauk
Summary: This passage discusses the importance of reducing high contact resistance at the interfaces between organic semiconductors and source/drains to fully utilize the performance improvements in organic transistors. The control of thin-film morphology of the organic semiconductor has been the key factor in achieving low contact resistances, while other approaches like increasing charge-carrier density have played a minor role. The challenges in forming optimized interfaces with organic semiconductors and the prevalence of Fermi-level pinning are also highlighted in the discussion.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Carsten Dingler, Ramon Walter, Bruno Gompf, Sabine Ludwigs
Summary: This study provides insights into the evolution of optical constants, conductivity, and swelling properties of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)/poly(styrenesulfonate) films in an acetonitrile-based electrolyte as a function of doping level. The comprehensive spectroelectrochemical study reveals that the films are optically and electronically anisotropic, with the optical constants strongly varying with applied potential. The films also exhibit a plateau conductivity over large potential ranges and remarkable swelling behavior.
Correction
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Adrian T. Press, Anuradha Ramoji, Moritz von der Luhe, Alexandra C. Rinkenauer, Jessica Hoff, Marianne Butans, Carsten Rossel, Christian Pietsch, Ute Neugebauer, Felix H. Schacher, Michael Bauer
NPG ASIA MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Daniel Kowalczyk, Pengcheng Li, Amir Abbas, Jonas Eichhorn, Philipp Buday, Magdalena Heiland, Andrea Pannwitz, Felix H. Schacher, Wolfgang Weigand, Carsten Streb, Dirk Ziegenbalg
Summary: In this study, a modular, adaptable, and extensible photoreactor platform is reported, which allows for photocatalytic experiments under well-characterized, reproducible conditions. Comparability is ensured by comprehensive documentation of the incident photon fluxes in the reaction vessels for different setups as well as the homogeneity of irradiation in multi-reactor setups. The concept is validated through studies of photocatalytic systems for hydrogen evolution.
Article
Polymer Science
Shivani P. Wadgaonkar, Sandra Schuettner, Elena Berger-Nicoletti, Axel H. E. Mueller, Holger Frey
Summary: This study reports the synthesis and real-time 1H NMR kinetic studies on the living anionic copolymerization of 4-trimethylsilylstyrene (4TMSS). The results reveal an intriguing gradient microstructure in the synthesized copolymers, with 4TMSS exhibiting higher reactivity compared to styrene. Furthermore, the properties of the copolymers can be tailored by varying the content of 4TMSS.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Viktoria Gruen, Satoshi Kajiyama, Sabine Rosenfeldt, Sabine Ludwigs, Anna S. Schenk, Takashi Kato
Summary: This study introduces a bio-inspired room-temperature method to precipitate one-dimensional cobalt carbonate as a precursor to Co3O4. By combining confined submicrometer reaction environments with a carboxylated polyelectrolyte, the infiltration into cylindrical pores can be controlled.
CRYSTAL GROWTH & DESIGN
(2022)
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
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Fabian Borrmann, Takuya Tsuda, Olga Guskova, Nataliya Kiriy, Cedric Hoffmann, David Neusser, Sabine Ludwigs, Uwe Lappan, Frank Simon, Martin Geisler, Bipasha Debnath, Yulia Krupskaya, Mahmoud Al-Hussein, Anton Kiriy
Summary: The understanding and applications of electron-conducting pi-conjugated polymers with naphtalene diimide (NDI) blocks have made remarkable progress. A study has been conducted to develop an n-type conducting NDI polymer with enhanced stability of its n-doped states for prospective in-water applications. The study uses a combined experimental-theoretical approach to identify critical features and parameters that control the doping and electron transport process.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Ji Hwan Kim, Matthias Wieland, Beatrice Omiecienski, Youngseok Kim, Jaeil Park, Gunwoo Kim, Sabine Ludwigs, Myung-Han Yoon
Summary: In this study, the mixed conducting properties of PEDOT:PSS were effectively modulated by crosslinking with biocompatible nonconductive PVA. The resulting PEDOT:PSS-PVA films showed a linear threshold voltage shift with minimal loss of transconductance, suggesting an effective modulation of operational characteristics. The ion transport dynamics were also affected by the PVA content, which was related to the crystallite size and ionic functional group density in the system.
FLEXIBLE AND PRINTED ELECTRONICS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Lorenzo Tesi, Friedrich Stemmler, Mario Winkler, Sherri S. Y. Liu, Saunak Das, Xiuming Sun, Michael Zharnikov, Sabine Ludwigs, Joris van Slageren
Summary: The development of quantum technologies aims to achieve exponentially faster computations, ultrahigh performance sensing, and a comprehensive understanding of many-particle quantum systems. Molecular spins have emerged as excellent candidates for qubits due to their long coherence times, tunability through chemical synthesis, and compatibility with other quantum platforms. However, integrating molecular spin qubits into quantum devices and preserving their quantum properties on surfaces remains a challenge. This study presents a versatile bottom-up approach to arrange molecular qubits as self-assembled monolayers on surfaces, demonstrating the maintenance or even enhancement of qubit properties.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Julian Karst, Yohan Lee, Moritz Floess, Monika Ubl, Sabine Ludwigs, Mario Hentschel, Harald Giessen
Summary: This study demonstrates electrically switchable metallic polymer metalenses, whose optical states and focal length can be adjusted via CMOS compatible voltages, opening up new possibilities for ultra-compact photonic integration.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Carolin Rieg, Manuel Kirchhof, Katrin Gugeler, Ann-Katrin Beurer, Lukas Stein, Klaus Dirnberger, Wolfgang Frey, Johanna R. R. Bruckner, Yvonne Traa, Johannes Kaestner, Sabine Ludwigs, Sabine Laschat, Michael Dyballa
Summary: We developed a method to quantify the accessible Rh complexes in SBA-15 mesopores via solid state NMR spectroscopy. By combining P-31 MAS NMR and ICP-OES, the P/Rh ratio was determined, revealing that only up to 39% of the immobilized Rh complexes were accessible. With this methodology, the accessibility and spatial distribution of immobilized molecular catalysts can be evaluated quantitatively for the first time.
CATALYSIS SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Derek de Jong, Julian Karst, Dominik Ludescher, Moritz Floess, Sophia Moell, Klaus Dirnberger, Mario Hentschel, Sabine Ludwigs, Paul V. Braun, Harald Giessen
Summary: We propose an electrically switchable, compact metasurface device based on PEDOT:PSS and a gel polymer electrolyte. By applying square-wave voltages, the PEDOT:PSS can be reversible switched from dielectric to metallic state. We demonstrate a compact standalone metadevice that allows for electrically controlled tuning of plasmonic resonances and beam switching. Our work paves the way for solid-state switchable metasurfaces and switchable holographic devices.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
WanLing Foo, Zoltan Cseresnyes, Carsten Roessel, Yingfeng Teng, Anuradha Ramoji, Mingzhe Chi, Walter Hauswald, Sophie Huschke, Stephanie Hoeppener, Juergen Popp, Felix H. Schacher, Marek Sierka, Marc Thilo Figge, Adrian T. Press, Michael Bauer
Summary: Targeting delivery of oligonucleotides or small molecular drugs to hepatocytes is challenging due to the efficient mononuclear phagocyte system of the liver. In this study, polyplex micelles were used as nanocarriers for drug delivery. By altering the ratio of poly(ethylene glycol) corona to siRNA complexed poly(allyl glycidyl ether) core, the micelles were able to overcome the macrophage-rich reticuloendothelial barrier and specifically target hepatocytes.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
David Neusser, Bowen Sun, Wen Liang Tan, Lars Thomsen, Thorsten Schultz, Lorena Perdigon-Toro, Norbert Koch, Safa Shoaee, Christopher R. McNeill, Dieter Neher, Sabine Ludwigs
Summary: Recent advances in organic solar cell performance have been driven by combining high-performance donor-acceptor copolymers and small molecule acceptors. The solvent used during processing greatly affects the device performance. In this study, the authors propose a spectroelectrochemical method to investigate the redox behavior and energy levels of the compounds in blend films. The results show a nearly zero driving force for the dissociation of excitons and the importance of molecular orientation at the interface for device performance.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY C
(2022)
