Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Haishan Xu, Han Zhang, Yifan Wang, Chen Tang, Tianyu Xiao, Zhi Xu, Hong Li, Fugui Xu, Yiyong Mai
Summary: This study presents a sulfur host for Li-S batteries, based on a sandwich structure with MXene nanosheets and conductive poly(m-phenylenediamine). The design effectively addresses the poor conductivity of sulfur and the 'shuttle effect' of polysulfides, resulting in high-performance Li-S batteries with stable cycling and high sulfur loading capacities.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Siqi Jiang, Feifei Xing, Jiacheng Zhang, Luoxing Xiang, Qian Li, Fugui Xu, Zhong-Shuai Wu, Yiyong Mai
Summary: In this study, a new type of lithium-ion capacitor (LIC) was developed to meet the demands of high energy and high power. By controlling porosity and morphology, two 2D electrode materials were constructed, significantly improving the capacity and rate performance of the LIC. The experimental results showed that this design achieved a high energy density of 208 Wh kg(-1) and a high power density of 176 W kg(-1).
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Junghyun Cho, Myonghoo Hwang, Minkyung Shin, Jinwoo Oh, Jinhan Cho, Jeong Gon Son, Bongjun Yeom
Summary: This study introduces a new method for fabricating chiral plasmonic nanowave patterns using the unidirectional alignment of block copolymer thin films and their tilted transfer combined with buckling processes. The fabricated chiral nanowave patterns exhibit mirror-reflected circular dichroism spectra.
Article
Polymer Science
Nico Alleva, Katharina Eigen, David Y. W. Ng, Tanja Weil
Summary: We propose a simple and versatile method to purify and isolate DNA-polymer conjugates from various types of uncharged homo, random, or block copolymer families. Anion exchange chromatography is utilized for separation and recovery of excess unreacted polymer and oligonucleotide. With a high yield and efficient purification process, this method demonstrates its broad applicability for different polymer families and DNA block lengths.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Kai C. Gronborg, Sydney M. Giles, Sean Garrett-Roe
Summary: Angular momentum transfer and wavepacket dynamics of CO2(g) were measured on the picosecond time scale using polarization-resolved two-dimensional infrared (2D-IR) spectroscopy. Multiple rotational levels were observed simultaneously at room temperature, and the structure and spectral diffusion of the rotationally resolved 2D-IR spectrum were explained using nonlinear response function theory.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Junfeng Liu, Rensheng Chen, Yongjian Ding, Chuntan Han, Shaoxiu Ma
Summary: The novel O-T-SfM photogrammetry system can accurately monitor snow-surface processes in high-mountain snow-covered regions, especially performing best in snow-free conditions. However, it struggles to capture the snow melting processes from July to September and smooth fresh snowfalls from April to June.
COLD REGIONS SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Rintaro Takahashi, Theyencheri Narayanan, Shin-ichi Yusa, Takahiro Sato
Summary: This study reports the self-assembly kinetics of polymer vesicles probed by time-resolved small-angle scattering. The formation process of polymer vesicles was found to exhibit different kinetic behavior compared to conventional low-molecular-weight surfactants. This finding is significant for understanding the formation mechanism of polymer vesicles.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kaito Takahashi, Daisuke Taguchi, Takashi Kajitani, Takanori Fukushima, Shoichi Kubo, Atsushi Shishido
Summary: Researchers synthesized block copolymers containing liquid crystals and evaluated their microphase-separated structures and molecular alignment behaviors. The results showed that the synthesized block copolymers exhibited liquid crystal phases and formed periodic cylinder structures, with the molecules achieving uniaxial alignment in the treatment direction.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Qing-Bao Zheng, Yan-Cheng Lin, Yen-Ting Lin, Yun Chang, Wei-Ni Wu, Jhih-Min Lin, Shih-Huang Tung, Wen-Chang Chen, Cheng-Liang Liu
Summary: Organic-based thermoelectric materials are popular for their waste heat-to-electricity conversion ability, low processing costs, mechanical flexibility, and non-toxicity, which makes them an attractive option for wearable electronics. However, there is a lack of direct integration of stretchable semiconducting polymers in wearable thermoelectric devices. This study explores the potential of using doped P3HT-b-PBA copolymers to develop stretchable thermoelectric devices and presents a promising approach for creating these devices by combining the thermoelectric properties of P3HT and the intrinsic softness of PBA.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Zhangbin Yang, Haoxuan Sun, Yulin Xi, Yanli Qi, Zepeng Mao, Ping Wang, Jun Zhang
Summary: This study demonstrated a novel passive radiative cooling design by building random, three-dimensional pores in a polymer matrix via phase separation. By controlling the compatibility between the shape-supporting matrix and soluble polymers, the macroporous polymer sheets showed high solar reflectance and tunable thermal emissivity, resulting in significantly lower outdoor temperatures.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Oliver Dreyer, Gregor Ibbeken, Ludwig Schneider, Niklas Blagojevic, Maryam Radjabian, Volker Abetz, Marcus Mueller
Summary: In this study, the self-assembly of asymmetric diblock copolymers during solvent evaporation was investigated using particle-based Monte Carlo simulations and continuum modeling. The effects of evaporation rate and solvent selectivity on structure formation, particularly the alignment of minority block cylinders, were examined. Comparing the two simulation techniques helped identify general trends with parameter variation and understand the role of single-chain dynamics, fluctuations, and additional model details.
Article
Polymer Science
Changyeon Lee, Chinedum O. Osuji
Summary: Liquid-crystal polymers combine the characteristics of liquid crystals and polymers, exhibiting intriguing physical phenomena and useful properties. Over the past nearly 50 years, there has been significant expansion in the field, with developments in new chain architectures, new classes of mesogens, and exploration of new properties and applications. Opportunities for LCPs, particularly in nanopatterning and beyond, are emerging with the ability to access small feature sizes and fluidity of the LC mesophase presenting compelling possibilities for orientation control.
Article
Remote Sensing
E. W. Nota, W. Nijland, T. de Haas
Summary: Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Structure from Motion (UAV-SfM) photogrammetry is a useful tool for topographic change detection. In this study, the combination of co-alignment and Ground Control Points (GCPs) is found to improve the accuracy of 3D models. Real Time Kinematic (RTK) positioning provides high absolute accuracy, while generic Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) positioning combined with co-alignment achieves RTK-class accuracy for all surveys.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF APPLIED EARTH OBSERVATION AND GEOINFORMATION
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jinseok Park, Anne Staiger, Stefan Mecking, Karen Winey
Summary: By investigating the temperature, we explored the phase behavior and interaction parameter of polyethylene-based multiblock copolymers. These copolymers exhibit layered morphologies with semicrystalline polyethylene blocks, showing ultrahigh compatibility between polar ionic and nonpolar polyethylene segments.
Article
Polymer Science
Yujie Xie, Wei Yu, Tianlai Xia, Rachel K. O'Reilly, Andrew P. Dove
Summary: The stereocomplexation of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) enantiomers enhances the performance of materials. However, the study of stereocomplexation between PLA-based block copolymers in solution is limited, requiring a comprehensive understanding. This study synthesized triblock copolymers and observed the morphological transition driven by stereocomplexation, providing valuable guidance for optimizing this process for biomedical applications under physiological conditions.
Article
Polymer Science
Azra Kocaarslan, Gorkem Yilmaz, Clemens Liedel, Yusuf Yagci
JOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE
(2020)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xuepu Wang, Marcel Sperling, Martin Reifarth, Alexander Boeker
Article
Polymer Science
Alaa S. Abd-El-Aziz, Markus Antonietti, Christopher Barner-Kowollik, Wolfgang H. Binder, Alexander Boeker, Cyrille Boyer, Michael R. Buchmeiser, Stephen Z. D. Cheng, Franck D'Agosto, George Floudas, Holger Frey, Giancarlo Galli, Jan Genzer, Laura Hartmann, Richard Hoogenboom, Takashi Ishizone, David L. Kaplan, Mario Leclerc, Andreas Lendlein, Bin Liu, Timothy E. Long, Sabine Ludwigs, Jean-Francois Lutz, Krzysztof Matyjaszewski, Michael A. R. Meier, Klaus Muellen, Markus Muellner, Bernhard Rieger, Thomas P. Russell, Daniel A. Savin, A. Dieter Schlueter, Ulrich S. Schubert, Sebastian Seiffert, Kirsten Severing, Joao B. P. Soares, Mara Staffilani, Brent S. Sumerlin, Yanming Sun, Ben Zhong Tang, Chuanbing Tang, Patrick Theato, Nicola Tirelli, Ophelia K. C. Tsui, Miriam M. Unterlass, Philipp Vana, Brigitte Voit, Sergey Vyazovkin, Christoph Weder, Ulrich Wiesner, Wai-Yeung Wong, Chi Wu, Yusuf Yagci, Jiayin Yuan, Guangzhao Zhang
MACROMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2020)
Article
Materials Science, Textiles
Marc Zimmermann, Benjamin Stomps, Christine Schulte-Osseili, Dmitry Grigoriev, Dirk Ewen, Andrew Morgan, Alexander Boeker
Summary: This study introduces a new method for dyeing synthetic polypropylene yarns without harsh energy-consuming conditions by synthesizing coloring agents. The approach involves encapsulating organic pigments, modifying silica shell, and attaching anchor peptides.
TEXTILE RESEARCH JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Liang Qiu, Haoran Zhang, Thomas Bick, Johannes Martin, Petra Wendler, Alexander Boeker, Ulrich Glebe, Chengfen Xing
Summary: This study presents an efficient method for synthesizing glyco-inside nano-assemblies using RAFT polymerization technology, which allows for the fabrication of highly ordered nano-assemblies by adjusting the length of hydrophobic glycoblock and polymerization solids content. A specific morphology of complex vesicles was captured during the PISA process, with the formation mechanism explained by the morphology of its precursor and intermediate.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Martin Reifarth, Marek Bekir, Alain M. Bapolisi, Evgenii Titov, Fabian Nusshardt, Julius Nowaczyk, Dmitry Grigoriev, Anjali Sharma, Peter Saalfrank, Svetlana Santer, Matthias Hartlieb, Alexander Boeker
Summary: A cationic surfactant with a spiropyrane unit was prepared, demonstrating adjustable surface-active characteristics with dual responsiveness. The reversible conversion of the spiropyrane unit to a zwitterionic merocyanine was controlled by adjusting pH value and light, resulting in pH-dependent photoactivity. The underlying switching processes were investigated and a thermodynamic explanation was provided. The complex stimuli-responsive behavior enables remote-control of colloidal systems and can be applied in pH-dependent manipulation of oil-in-water emulsions.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Magnus S. Schwieters, Maria Mathieu-Gaedke, Michael Westphal, Raphael Dalpke, Maxim Dirksen, Daizong Qi, Marco Grull, Thomas Bick, Stephanie Tassler, Daniel F. Sauer, Mischa Bonn, Petra Wendler, Thomas Hellweg, Andre Beyer, Armin Goelzhaeuser, Ulrich Schwaneberg, Ulrich Glebe, Alexander Boeker
Summary: This paper describes a simple method to prepare ultrathin membranes based on protein nanopores, which exhibit excellent water permeability and superior ion permeability. By assembling protein nanopores at the air-water interface of a Langmuir trough and compressing them to form membranes, it is possible to prepare monolayer or multilayer membranes with a high density of nanopores.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Daniel Braganca Viana, Maria Mathieu-Gaedke, Nadia Miriceia Leao, Alexander Boeker, Daniel Cristian Ferreira Soares, Ulrich Glebe, Marli Luiza Tebaldi
Summary: This study successfully synthesized thermoresponsive protein-polymer conjugates, which can be used as novel drug delivery systems for targeted drug delivery to cancer tissue through the bloodstream. The copolymers of N-vinylcaprolactam and 2-(dimethy-lamino)ethyl methacrylate were grafted onto bovine serum albumin, with a cloud point observed at around 40 degrees Celsius. These conjugates exhibited high cisplatin loading capacity and significant cytotoxicity against human breast cancer cells, making them potential carriers for drug delivery or other biomedical applications.
JOURNAL OF DRUG DELIVERY SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Maria Mathieu-Gaedke, Alexander Boeker, Ulrich Glebe
Summary: Proteins, with their diverse properties developed over millions of years, have great potential for applications in biomedicine and industry. However, their stability is limited and exposure to certain conditions can cause denaturation or aggregation. Modification with synthetic polymers is a powerful approach to enhance protein stability. Various methods have been established to characterize protein-polymer conjugates, but determining the structural integrity of proteins in biohybrid materials and the arrangement of polymer chains around proteins remains challenging. This Perspective provides an overview of different analysis techniques, discusses their applicability and feasibility, and presents current literature examples. The focus is on techniques such as nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, size exclusion chromatography coupled with multi-angle laser light scattering, analytical ultracentrifugation, and small-angle scattering, which provide insights into protein structure and polymer conformation.
MACROMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2023)
Editorial Material
Polymer Science
Alexander Boeker
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ulrike Doering, Dmitry Grigoriev, Tino Riske, Andreas Fery, Alexander Boeker
Summary: The mechanical properties of proteinaceous and composite microcapsules loaded with oil were measured using SFM and evaluated with the Reissner model. The results showed significantly higher Young's moduli in protein capsules due to intermolecular crosslinking, while conformational restrictions in composite microcapsules led to reduced elasticity.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ulrike Doering, Dmitry Grigoriev, Kosti Tapio, Ilko Bald, Alexander Boker
Summary: We propose a simple and eco-friendly method for the formation of composite protein-mineral-microcapsules induced by ultrasound treatment. Through the use of high-intensity ultrasound, protein- and nanoparticle-stabilized oil-in-water emulsions loaded with different oils were prepared. The resulting capsules have thin composite mineral proteinaceous shells made with various types of pre-modified nanoparticles, showing potential applications in pharmaceutical science, cosmetics, and food technology.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ulrike Doering, Dmitry Grigoriev, Kosti Tapio, Sophia Rosencrantz, Ruben R. Rosencrantz, Ilko Bald, Alexander Boeker
Summary: This paper proposes a consistent mechanism of protein microcapsule formation upon ultrasound treatment, presenting evidence for this mechanism based on experimental data.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Pinar Akarsu, Richard Grobe, Julius Nowaczyk, Matthias Hartlieb, Stefan Reinicke, Alexander Boeker, Marcel Sperling, Martin Reifarth
Summary: This paper introduces a microcontact printing method for creating defined (sub-) microscale patterns on surface substrates with high capillary activity, using an elastomeric polydimethylsiloxane stamp to transfer functional trivalent alkoxysilanes ink. The process involves polymer brush formation and ink immobilization to achieve precise printing accuracy on challenging substrates, as demonstrated through printing on Si-wafers and addressing rough surfaces.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
Martin Schmidt, Johannes Lemke, Richard Frenkler, Tobias Kraxenberger, Lin Roemer, Alexander Boeker
ENGINEERING REPORTS
(2020)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yiping Yin, Zhe Wang, Hua Zou
Summary: This study presents a novel method for preparing dimpled polymer-silica nanocomposite particles using interfacial swelling-based seeded polymerization. The optimized conditions allow for a relatively high percentage of dimpled particles to be achieved.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Brenden D. Hoehn, Elizabeth A. Kellstedt, Marc A. Hillmyer
Summary: Porous materials with nanometer-scale pores have important applications as nanoporous membranes. In this study, ABA triblock copolymers were used as precursors to produce nanoporous polymeric membranes (NPMs) in thin film form by degrading the end blocks. Polycyclooctene (PCOE) NPMs with tunable pore sizes were successfully prepared using solvent casting technique. Oxygen plasma etching was employed to improve the surface porosity and hydrophilicity of the membranes. This study provides a straightforward method to produce tough NPMs with high porosity and hydrophilic surface properties.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Vladislav S. Petrovskii, Stepan I. Zholudev, Igor I. Potemkin
Summary: This article investigates the behavior of linear and ring polypeptide chains in aqueous solution and explores the properties of the complexes formed by these chains with oppositely charged surfactants. The results demonstrate that the complexes of linear supercharged unfolded polypeptides and the corresponding surfactants exhibit impressive adhesive properties.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Merve Cevik, Serkan Dikici
Summary: Cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of death globally, and vascular grafts are a promising treatment option. This study focuses on tissue-engineered vascular grafts (TEVGs) using decellularized parsley stems as a potential biomaterial. The decellularized parsley stems showed suitable properties for TEVGs, providing a suitable environment for human endothelial cells to form a pseudo endothelium. This study showcases the potential of using parsley stems for TEVGs.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Gustavo A. Vasquez-Montoya, Tadej Emersic, Noe Atzin, Antonio Tavera-Vazquez, Ali Mozaffari, Rui Zhang, Orlando Guzman, Alexey Snezhko, Paul F. Nealey, Juan J. de Pablo
Summary: The optical properties of liquid crystals are typically controlled by electric fields. In this study, we investigate the effects of microfluidic flows and acoustic fields on the molecular orientation and optical response of nematic liquid crystals. We identify several previously unknown structures and explain them through calculations and simulations. These findings hold promise for the development of new systems combining sound, flow, and confinement.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xinjun Wu, Xin Guan, Shushu Chen, Jiangpeng Jia, Chongyi Chen, Jiawei Zhang, Chuanzhuang Zhao
Summary: This research presents a novel shape memory hydrogel with a remodelable permanent shape and programmable cold-induced shape recovery behavior. The hydrogel is prepared using specific treatment methods to achieve shape fixation by heating and shape recovery by cooling. Additionally, deformable devices can be obtained by assembling hydrogel blocks with different concentrations.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Rebecca Hengsbach, Gerhard Fink, Ulrich Simon
Summary: This study examines the properties of DNA functionalized pNipmam microgels and pure pNipmam microgels at different concentrations of sodium chloride and in PBS solutions using temperature dependent H-1-NMR measurements. The results show that DNA modification affects the volume phase transition temperature and the addition of salt and PBS further enhances this effect.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ningyi Li, Junhong Li, Lijingting Qing, Shicheng Ma, Yao Li, Baohui Li
Summary: This paper investigates the self-assembly behavior of colloids with competing interactions under spherical confinement and finds that different ordered structures can be formed under different sized spherical confinements. Moreover, more perforated structures are formed in smaller spheres.
