Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Wei Fang, Enjie Dong, Yan Zhang, Lijie Yang, Ling Zhang, Hongyuan Zhang, Yinghe Wang, Guangbo Che, Geping Yin
Summary: LTO/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) composite anodes with unique hierarchical structure show improved electronic conductivity, Li(+) diffusion kinetics, and lithium storage capacity. The composite exhibits high specific discharge capacity, excellent cycling life, and capacity retention at high-rate discharging.
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Noora Al Balushi, Mitchell Boyd-Moss, Rasika M. Samarasinghe, Aaqil Rifai, Stephanie J. Franks, Kate Firipis, Benjamin M. Long, Ian A. Darby, David R. Nisbet, Dodie Pouniotis, Richard J. Williams
Summary: Metastatic tumors are complex ecosystems consisting of multiple cell types that exist within a specific microenvironment. The interactions between these cells and the signals in the microenvironment play a crucial role in determining tumor behavior. A novel functional model has been developed to mimic the biological, chemical, and contextual cues of a tumor in vivo, allowing for a better understanding of tumor progression and spread within the microenvironment.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jianfeng Li, Wei Cao, Jinjin Li, Ming Ma
Summary: The study revealed that fluorination of perfluorocarbon SAM enhances superlubricity performance, achieving significantly lower friction coefficient and greater load-bearing capacity between graphite in water.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yiming Zhang, Yinghao Ding, Xinxin Li, Debin Zheng, Jie Gao, Zhimou Yang
Summary: Zwitterionic polymer materials have been extensively studied, but zwitterionic peptides supramolecular hydrogel materials are rarely studied. In this study, the preparation of two zwitterionic hydrogels using self-assembled peptides were reported. The differences in structure and function of the zwitterion peptide hydrogels caused by the two preparation methods were compared, with the enzyme induced self-assembly method showing better solubility and lower cytotoxicity.
CHINESE CHEMICAL LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Guogao Zhang, Junsoo Kim, Sammy Hassan, Zhigang Suo
Summary: The high water content and load-bearing capacity of biological tissues are achieved through nanostructures. A process that self-assembles a nanocomposite using a hydrogel-forming polymer and a glass-forming polymer can achieve high water content and load-bearing capacity comparable to polyethylene. The potential applications of this nanocomposite include artificial tissues, high-pressure filters, low-friction coatings, and solid electrolytes.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Ziyu Xing, Haibao Lu, Dong-Wei Shu, Yong-Qing Fu
Summary: This study proposes a non-Euclidean geometry model to understand the chemo-mechanical coupling in self-assembled triblock polymers, based on the thermodynamics of microphase separation. The model characterizes the topologies of self-assembled and cross-linked networks using geometric parameters formulated from the non-Euclidean geometry equation. The effectiveness of the model is verified through finite-element analysis and experimental results. This study provides a new geometrical approach to understand the mechanochemistry and thermodynamics of self-assembled block polymers.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Leiqiang Qin, Jianxia Jiang, Lintao Hou, Fengling Zhang, Johanna Rosen
Summary: Supercapacitors based on two-dimensional MXene (Ti3C2Tz) exhibit excellent performance in ultrathin electrodes with low mass loading, but face limitations in high-rate performance and restacking of nanosheets. In this study, a vertically aligned MXene hydrogel composite was designed using thermal-assisted self-assembled gelation, providing enhanced electron transport and rapid ion transport. The resulting hydrogel electrode showed excellent performance in both aqueous and organic electrolytes, with high capacitance, stability, and high-rate capability for up to 300 μm thick electrodes, representing a significant step towards practical applications.
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ji Ha Lee, Tomoyuki Tachibana, Keita Yamana, Riku Kawasaki, Akihiro Yabuki
Summary: In this study, a simple formation process of self-assembled hydrogels was developed to package anticancer drugs more easily and control their release rate and ratio through pH and temperature changes. The self-assembled hydrogels contained the desired amount of anticancer drugs and showed cytotoxicity against cancer cells.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Ya Lu, Yiying Yue, Qinqin Ding, Changtong Mei, Xinwu Xu, Qinglin Wu, Huining Xiao, Jingquan Han
Summary: This study developed a dual-cross-linked conductive hydrogel sensor with excellent compressive and tensile strength, intrinsic self-recovery property, and antifatigue capacity, showing high strain sensitivity and pressure sensing ability for detecting human motions effectively. The performance of the TOCN-CNT/PAAM hydrogel-based sensor surpasses that of most gel-based sensors previously reported, indicating its potential applications in healthcare systems and human motion monitoring.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yao Wu, Zhaoyu Yang, Xuexuan Li, Teng Li, Jun Zheng, Mingrui Hu, Zhe Yu, Weikang Luo, Wei Zhang, Fei Zheng, Tao Tang, Yang Wang
Summary: This study successfully develops a self-assembled hydrogel that integrates easy absorption, satisfactory injectability, rapid self-healing property, and multiple therapeutic effects. The hydrogel exhibits good adhesion and easy peeling off from tissues, allowing for percutaneous absorption within a short time. It shows broad-spectrum antibacterial activities without cytotoxicity and promotes wound healing through various effects. Additionally, it can induce anti-inflammatory macrophages. This research provides an environmentally friendly and efficient design for complicated wound treatment.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Jieling Li, Yan Xue, Anhe Wang, Shaonan Tian, Qi Li, Shuo Bai
Summary: In this study, conductive hydrogel was successfully fabricated by introducing a conductive polymer into peptide self-assembled hydrogel. The conductive hydrogel exhibited enhanced conductivity, mechanical property and stability compared to pure peptide-formed hydrogel. In addition, it showed good injectability and 3D bio-printability, and could support the viability of encapsulated cells sensitive to electrical signals.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Pinku Krishnan, V Biju
Summary: This study presents a novel environmentally friendly supercapacitor with reduced graphite oxide as the active material and pure water as the electrolyte, demonstrating high specific capacitance, energy density, power density, good cycle stability, thermal self-charging capability, and a high thermoelectric coefficient of 4.07 mV degrees C-1.
PHYSICA E-LOW-DIMENSIONAL SYSTEMS & NANOSTRUCTURES
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Cemile Kilic Bektas, Weibo Zhang, Yong Mao, Xiaohuan Wu, Joachim Kohn, Pamela C. Yelick
Summary: This study describes the creation of tooth-germ organoids using hydrogel microparticles derived from methacrylated gelatin (HMPs). The HMPs provide a scaffold for human dental pulp stem cells and porcine dental epithelial cells to attach and proliferate, resulting in self-assembled organoids. These organoids demonstrate the potential for tooth regeneration strategies.
BIOENGINEERING-BASEL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Li-Hua Yu, Zhen-Feng Cai, Lander Verstraete, Yuanzhi Xia, Yuan Fang, Louis Cuccia, Oleksandr Ivasenko, Steven De Feyter
Summary: This study investigates the impact of covalent modification on the self-assembly of a quinonoid zwitterion derivative. It is found that covalent modification can induce the formation of self-assembled structures at low concentrations, where no self-assembly behavior is observed on the bare surface. The size of the self-assembled domains decreases with increasing the density of grafted molecules, and the dynamics of domains, including growth, shrinkage, and orientation conversion, are captured with molecular resolution.
Review
Cell Biology
Anna C. Pham, Andrew J. Clulow, Ben J. Boyd
Summary: Lipids play a crucial role in regulating bodily functions and providing energy, primarily entering the body as triglycerides through diet. Certain lipids have been found to promote the formation of highly ordered colloidal structures during gastrointestinal digestion, impacting nutrient absorption. This process has implications for drug delivery, enabling the solubilization of poorly water-soluble drugs in the gut for absorption.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Zhongfeng Ji, Lanxiang Feng, Zhiwei Zhu, Xuewei Fu, Wei Yang, Yu Wang
Summary: High energy density batteries with lithium metal as the anode have great potential for applications in electric vehicles and energy storage stations. However, interface/interphase issues within the electrochemical cell have hindered their high performance. Polymer-based interface/interphase engineering has proven to be an effective solution, involving rational structure design and flexible processing methods. This review summarizes and discusses the interface/interphase issues in different battery components, such as the cathode, separator, and anode, and explores the use of functional polymers to address these issues, including polysulfide diffusion, structural instability, and lithium dendrite growth. The microenvironment of the cathode's active material is also emphasized for a comprehensive understanding of the interface/interphase issues. The review concludes by discussing the remaining challenges and future prospects for next-generation high-energy-density batteries.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yi Huang, Xing Zhao, Jia-Le Ke, Xiang-Jun Zha, Jie Yang, Wei Yang
Summary: The solid network structure of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogel has been engineered by introducing ionic liquids (IL), leading to improved ionic conductivity, thermoelectric properties, and mechanical properties of PVA/IL ionogels. The microstructure and ion transport ability of PVA/IL ionogels contribute to the enhanced ionic conductivity. Moreover, the microcrystalline regions and nanoscale network structure in PVA/IL ionogels dissipate a large amount of energy and give rise to excellent mechanical properties, expanding the application potential of ionogels.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Jiale Ke, Xing Zhao, Jie Yang, Kai Ke, Yu Wang, Mingbo Yang, Wei Yang
Summary: Biopolymer-based ionic thermoelectric (i-TE) materials, which have wide sources, innocuity, and low manufacturing cost, are potential candidates for energy conversion systems. By utilizing multiple noncovalent interactions between ionic liquids (ILs) and gelatin molecular chains, a supramolecular i-TE gel with high thermopower and thermoelectric power factor is developed. This gel achieves ultrahigh output energy density and has thermal stability up to 80°C, breaking the limitation of low temperature range for biopolymer-based i-TE gels.
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Yuan Li, Ze-Zhi Shi, Lu Bai, Rui-Ying Bao, Ming-Bo Yang, Wei Yang
Summary: In this study, the interchain interactions between PLLA and PDLA chains are well preserved in equimolar PLLA/PDLA blends by incorporating Al2O3 particles for the first time. This overcomes the limitations of sc-PLA and enhances its melt memory and thermal conductivity. This research provides a new design approach for PLA as an alternative engineering plastic.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Tianlong Du, Ganghong Zhang, Ruiying Bao, Jun Chen, Zhengying Liu, Wei Yang
Summary: This study focuses on the structure design of high-temperature electrothermal composites, using two types of high-density polyethylene-based composites filled with multi-walled carbon nanotubes as examples. The relationship between the molecular weight of the matrix and the electrothermal properties of the composites is investigated through the changes in microstructure and conductive network during heating-cooling cycles. The high molecular weight component in the composites contributes to improved electrothermal stability and repeatability, making them suitable for high-temperature electrical heating applications.
MATERIALS TODAY COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Xiang-Jun Zha, Jian-Bo Li, Guo-Peng Liang, Jun-Hong Pu, Zhong-Wei Zhang, Bo Wang, Ji-Gang Huang, Jin Jia, Xin Zhao, Kai-Qi Pan, Mei-Ling Dong, Kai Ke, Yan Kang, Wei Yang
Summary: The development of a one-step thermal stretching strategy to fabricate an anti-fatigue ionic gel sensor enables long-term and stable monitoring of respiratory abnormality. This sensor, integrated with a multimodal wearable respiratory monitoring system, allows continuous evaluation of respiratory status and compliance, making it suitable for both daily home care and clinical applications.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Ze-Zhi Shi, Zi-Yang Fan, Ling Ma, Peng-Jian Gong, Rui-Ying Bao, Ming-Bo Yang, Wei Yang
Summary: In this study, a strategy of dynamic PLA was proposed to promote sc crystallization and improve the melt strength of sc-PLA simultaneously by cross-linking PLLA and PDLA chains. The results showed that this strategy effectively enhanced sc crystallization and melt strength, enabling the production of heat-resistant green foam through supercritical carbon dioxide foaming technique.
Article
Polymer Science
Shan Wang, Chun-Yan Tang, Jin Jia, Xiang-Jun Zha, Jun-Hong Liu, Xing Zhao, Kai Ke, Yu Wang, Wei Yang
Summary: We report a method to fabricate high-performance piezoelectric polymer fiber mats by collecting electrospun PVDF fibers using low-temperature electrolytes. The use of liquid electrolytes enables the formation of piezoelectric PVDF crystals with zigzag conformation and the immobilization of aligned dipoles at low temperature. Compared with conventional PVDF fibers, these fiber mats can generate a significantly higher open-circuit voltage and instantaneous output power density, making them suitable for self-powered flexible electronics.
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
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yong-Bo Liu, Zhao Xu, Zheng-Min Zhang, Rui-Ying Bao, Ming-Bo Yang, Wei Yang
Summary: To overcome the limitations of polylactide (PLA) in terms of melt strength, processability, and brittleness, researchers have developed PLA covalent adaptive networks (CANs) with biobased epoxidized soybean oil (ESO) as dynamic crosslinks. By incorporating maleic anhydride (MA) and using Zn2+-catalyzed transesterification exchange, PLA CANs with enhanced melt strength and toughness were successfully produced. The resulting PLA CAN films show promising properties, including high elongation at break and lower environmental impacts compared to petroleum-based plastic films.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Zhao Xu, Yong-Bo Liu, Dun-Wen Wei, Rui-Ying Bao, Yu Wang, Kai Ke, Wei Yang
Summary: In this research, a polyolefin elastomer (POE) and paraffin wax (PW) were co-cross-linked by dynamic boronic ester bonds to enhance the network elasticity and stress transfer, enabling high force storage in shape memory polymers (SMPs). One-way force storage was achieved by programming at a low temperature (25 °C) through solid PW, while reversible force storage was achieved at a high temperature (75 °C) through liquid PW. The POE/PW vitrimers also exhibited mold-free self-healing and improved repair efficiency, making them suitable for soft robotic actuators.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhao Xu, Sen Meng, Dun-Wen Wei, Rui-Ying Bao, Yu Wang, Kai Ke, Wei Yang
Summary: A polyolefin elastomer vitrimer (POEV) was prepared by constructing a dynamic cross-linked network based on boronic ester bonds. The controllable relaxation of POEV by temperature enables the actuation domain with a reduction in entropy and the skeleton domain with a relatively high entropy, greatly affecting the reversible shape memory effects (RSMEs). By combining the decreasing entropy of POEV chains and topological rearrangement, hybrid aligned carbon nanotubes (CNTs) can be constructed in POEV, enhancing its elasticity and acting as a hybrid skeleton for RSMEs.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Li-Mei Peng, Zhao Xu, Jie Yang, Lu Bai, Rui-Ying Bao, Ming-Bo Yang, Wei Yang
Summary: This study proposes a method for fabricating patternable thermal conductive interface materials using vitrimeric phase change materials (PCMs), which can adapt to rough surfaces without applying high pressure and can be used for reconfigurable package procedures and reducing thermal contact resistance. The materials have high mechanical integrity and can be reconfigured through plastic deformation. Additionally, the materials form effective heat conduction pathways, reducing thermal contact resistance and promoting thermal transport.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Tao Gong, Jia-Xing Guo, He-Qing Shao, Jin Jia, Kai Ke, Rui-Ying Bao, Wei Yang
Summary: A new approach to fabricate high-performance air-permeable strain sensors has been developed by constructing porous elastomer composites with a special microstructure. These sensors have a linear and sensitive response to a wide range of strains, making them suitable for high-resolution recording of physiological activities and body motions in healthcare applications.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Hong Cao, Shuang-Zhu Li, Jie Yang, Zheng-Ying Liu, Lu Bai, Wei Yang
Summary: The development of magnetic composite PCMs with enhanced thermal conductivity is important for addressing energy issues, as they exhibit superior photo/magnetic-to-thermal energy conversion efficiency along the direction of magnetic particle orientation.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
