Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Qilin Guo, Yulian Li, Qiujun Liu, Yuesheng Li, Dong-Po Song
Summary: An effective co-assembly strategy has been demonstrated for creating complex photonic structures with interesting light reflections. By placing different bottlebrush block copolymers within shrinking droplets, a cooperative mechanism of microphase segregation and organized spontaneous emulsification is enabled, resulting in the fabrication of Janus microspheres with diverse dual optical characteristics. The reflected wavelengths of light are highly tunable simply by changing the formulation or molecular weight of the block copolymers.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Yilin Liu, Fangfang Ke, Yuanchao Li, Yi Shi, Zhen Zhang, Yongming Chen
Summary: Significant progress has been made in block copolymer self-assembly in the past few decades. With the development of nanoscience and nanotechnology, more complex structures are needed for block copolymer self-assembly based nanoplatforms to meet specific multimodal or multiplexed applications.
Article
Polymer Science
R. Simonutti, D. Bertani, R. Marotta, S. Ferrario, D. Manzone, M. Mauri, M. Gregori, A. Orlando, M. Masserini
Summary: This study investigates the effect of using different common solvents on the self-assembly behavior of block copolymer nanoparticles, finding that the hydrogen bonding ability of the solvent strongly influences the size and shape of the particles, as well as their cytotoxicity.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Runze Liu, Hejin Huang, Zehao Sun, Alfredo Alexander-Katz, Caroline A. Ross
Summary: This study presents a method of directed self-assembly using multiple mechanisms to generate well-aligned nanomesh structures, which is then extended to fabricate multi-component metallic structures with 2D/3D hybrid morphologies.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Christian Hils, Joachim Schmelz, Markus Drechsler, Holger Schmalz
Summary: This study presents a facile method for producing worm-like Janus micelles through crystallization-driven self-assembly of a double-crystalline triblock terpolymer. These amphiphilic Janus micelles exhibit excellent interfacial activity and can be easily produced in solution through a simple heating and cooling protocol.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Deborah Y. Liu, Daniel Krogstad
Summary: The study explores the use of ionic liquid as both a curing agent and a structure-directing agent in epoxy/BCP blends, achieving a wide range of self-assembled structures in the uncured blends, including hexagonally packed cylinders and lamellar structures. Many compositions undergo phase transitions during the curing process, with some transitions proving to be quite complex.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Dengwen Hu, Xiaohua Chang, Yutian Zhu
Summary: This review article summarizes the self-assembly process of block copolymers (BCPs) into nanoparticles within emulsion droplets and discusses various strategies and scenarios for tuning the oil/water interface properties and applications of the resulting particles. The future trends and challenges of BCPs confined in emulsion droplets for self-assembly are also suggested.
CHINESE JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Yuhan Wei, Fujun Liu, Min Li, Zhibo Li, Jing Sun
Summary: The solubility effect on the self-assembly of PEG-b-PNPE block copolymer with a crystalline core-forming polypeptoid in aqueous solution was systematically investigated. It was found that the balance between the crystallization and solubility of the polymer dominates the nanostructures. Depending on the restriction of PNPE block crystallization, either 1D nanofibers or 2D nanosheets induced by CDSA were observed.
Article
Polymer Science
Artem Petrov, Alexander V. Chertovich, Alexey A. Gavrilov
Summary: This study obtained phase diagrams of atom transfer radical polymerization-induced self-assembly (ATRP PISA) through simulations and investigated the influence of ATRP's chemical nature on the self-assembly of diblock copolymers. It was found that chain growth termination via recombination played a key role in determining the ATRP PISA phase diagrams, and a dependence of aggregate morphology on concentration was observed.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Runze Liu, Zehao Sun, Hejin Huang, Jeremiah A. Johnson, Alfredo Alexander-Katz, Caroline A. Ross
Summary: Diblock Janus-type A-branch-B bottlebrush copolymers (di-JBBCPs) consist of a backbone with alternating A and B side chains, allowing for microphase separation perpendicular to the backbone. The self-assembly of di-JBBCPs was theoretically investigated using a reparametrized dissipative particle dynamics (DPD) model, and the results were compared with experimental data. The model showed good correspondence with the experimentally observed cylinder, gyroid, and lamellar morphologies, and predicted additional spherical phases, indicating the diversity of morphologies achievable with complex BCP molecular architectures.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xiangmin Ding, Dandan Liu, Xi Jiang, Xuesi Chen, Ronald N. Zuckermann, Jing Sun
Summary: The interplay between crystalline packing and hierarchical assembly is essential for the fabrication of complex superstructures from polymers. This study demonstrates the formation of distinct hierarchical superstructures by tuning the balance between surface energy and crystallization energy of a diblock copolymer containing an N-octylglycine peptoid block. The partially ordered micellar aggregates serve as key intermediates and template the formation of superstructures. The fiber-like branch of the superstructures exhibits living linear growth and shows promise for biomedical applications.
Article
Polymer Science
Jing-Ye Liu, Hao-Rui Song, Mian Wang, Shao-Hong Jin, Zheng Liang, Xi Mao, Wang Li, Ren-Hua Deng, Jin-Tao Zhu
Summary: We have successfully prepared asymmetric mesoporous carbon microparticles with ordered structures through neutral interface-guided three-dimensional confined self-assembly and self-templated selective direct carbonization strategy. By adjusting the blending ratio of BCP/hP, the shape of MCMPs can be easily tuned. These composite asymmetric MCMPs combine the advantages of asymmetric shape, ordered structure, high specific surface area, chemical inertness, and thermal stability, providing great possibilities for applications in catalysis, drug delivery, energy conversion, and storage.
CHINESE JOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Isabella R. Dorsman, Matthew J. Derry, Victoria J. Cunningham, Steven L. Brown, Clive N. Williams, Steven P. Armes
Summary: The study discovered an unexpected reduction in dispersion viscosity when heating block copolymer vesicles above a critical temperature, with a thermal transition from vesicles to worms and then to spheres observed. Moreover, the addition of a suitable comonomer was found to lower the critical onset temperature required for the vesicle-to-worm transition, as confirmed by rheology and small-angle X-ray scattering experiments. The thermal transitions observed were irreversible on normal experimental timescales.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Jiajing Li, Paulina A. Rincon-Delgadillo, Hyo Seon Suh, Geert Mannaert, Paul F. Nealey
Summary: Directed self-assembly of block copolymers has attracted interest from the semiconductor industry due to its potential for achieving semiconductor-relevant structures with a relatively simple and low-cost process. However, the kinetic trapping of self-assembling structures into defective states poses challenges for high-volume manufacturing. A study on the kinetics of defect annihilation in chemoepitaxy DSA revealed a statistical model that suggests all dislocations can be removed by sufficiently long annealing time. Further analysis showed that the distribution of defects is largely influenced by the role of guiding stripes.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Geon Gug Yang, Jaehyun Ko, Hee Jae Choi, Jang Hwan Kim, Min Hyuk Kim, Chungseong Park, Hyeon Min Jin, Il-Doo Kim, Sang Ouk Kim, Dong-Ha Kim, Kyu Hyo Han
Summary: This study introduces a transparent, flexible, and sensitive gas sensor building platform using multilevel self-assembly of block copolymers and polystyrene colloids. By overlaying two different patterned template structures, a hierarchically porous Pd metal mesh structure is obtained, demonstrating superior sensing performance and high mechanical flexibility.
Article
Polymer Science
Tingting Cui, Xiang Li, Zizhun Wang, Lixin Wu, Haolong Li
Summary: Utilizing a polymer surfactant to control 3D confined assembly in emulsion droplets can lead to block copolymer particles with tunable nanostructures, resulting in the formation of unusual shapes of particles. By systematically studying the morphological formation mechanism, a new surfactant platform has been provided to tune the confined assembly of block copolymers.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Haibo He, Gang Wang, Shengchao Chai, Xiang Li, Liang Zhai, Lixin Wu, Haolong Li
Summary: A supramolecular strategy was developed to fabricate a nanocomposite electrolyte with highly ordered lamellar proton-conducting nanochannels, offering improved ion conductivity and mechanical reinforcement.
CHINESE CHEMICAL LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Haikun Guo, Minghao Zeng, Xiang Li, Haibo He, Lixin Wu, Haolong Li
Summary: Polyoxometalates have been utilized as versatile enhancers in fabricating nonvolatile flexible hybrid polymer electrolytes with improved conductive, stretchable, and adhesive properties.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Minghao Zeng, Haikun Guo, Gang Wang, Lichao Shang, Chengji Zhao, Haolong Li
Summary: This study reports on the fabrication of high-performance proton conductive PEMs for high-temperature supercapacitors using a post-assembly strategy, achieving high stability and high conductivity. By controllable cross-linking and inducement of phosphoric acid, bicontinuous nanostructure PEMs with excellent performance at high temperatures (150°C) were prepared. The HT-SCs based on these PEMs exhibited specific capacitance of 138.0 F g(-1) and high capacitance retention of 80.0% after 2500 galvanostatic charge-discharge cycles, showing outstanding high-temperature capacitance and cycle stability.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Gang Wang, Jialin Li, Lichao Shang, Haibo He, Tingting Cui, Shengchao Chai, Chengji Zhao, Lixin Wu, Haolong Li
Summary: This study presents a facile strategy to prepare a nanostructured polymer electrolyte with high proton conductivity and high modulus by electrostatic self-assembly of polyoxometalate cluster H3PW12O40 and comb copolymer PEEK-g-PVP. The resulting membranes exhibit proton conductivities higher than 30 mS cm(-1) and modulus over 4 GPa, and show good cell performance in direct methanol fuel cells. This system can be extended to develop a variety of functional electrolyte materials for energy and electronic applications.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Gang Wang, Jialin Li, Haibin Li, Haibo He, Liang Zhai, Xiang Li, Tingting Li, Chengji Zhao, Lixin Wu, Haolong Li
Summary: In this study, robust high-temperature proton exchange membranes (PEMs) were fabricated based on the in situ electrostatic crosslinking of polyoxometalates and polymers. A comb copolymer poly(ether-ether-ketone)-grafted-poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) (PGE) with transformable side chains was complexed with H3PW12O40 (PW) by electrostatic self-assembly, forming PGE/PW nanocomposite membranes with bicontinuous nanostructures. Subsequent PA-treatment resulted in PGE/PW/PA ternary nanocomposites with in situ electrostatic crosslinking effect, exhibiting excellent anhydrous proton conductive ability and high mechanical performance.
CHINESE CHEMICAL LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Minghao Zeng, Wenqi Liu, Haikun Guo, Tingting Li, Qijia Li, Chengji Zhao, Xiaojin Li, Haolong Li
Summary: This study presents a strategy to prepare high-temperature proton exchange membranes (HT-PEMs) using polyoxometalate (POM)-dominated noncovalent cross-linking and H3PO4-induced post-assembly. The resulting membranes exhibit excellent mechanical strength and proton conductivity, making them suitable for high-temperature supercapacitors and fuel cells.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Haibo He, Youliang Zhu, Tingting Li, Shihao Song, Liang Zhai, Xiang Li, Lixin Wu, Haolong Li
Summary: This study reports the robust assembly of polyethylene glycol grafted polyoxometalate amphiphile (GSiW(11)) into the ionic nanophases of Nafion, which enhances the overall performance of Nafion. GSiW(11) can coassemble with Nafion through multiple supramolecular interactions, increasing the proton content and forming a wide channel for proton transport. Additionally, GSiW(11) reinforces the Nafion ionic nanophase by noncovalent cross-linking. The hybrid PEMs exhibit multiple enhancements in proton conductivity, tensile strength, and fuel cell power density compared to pure Nafion.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Haikun Guo, Leibo Li, Xiaolei Xu, Minghao Zeng, Shengchao Chai, Lixin Wu, Haolong Li
Summary: Semi-solid bulk supramolecular polymer (SP) materials were fabricated by using polyoxometalate (POM) nanoclusters as supramolecular cross-linkers to solidify a deep eutectic solvent (DES). The resulting materials exhibited high proton conductivity and mechanical strength, and formed a stable electrode-electrolyte interface by a melt-infiltration strategy, leading to improved performance in supercapacitors.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Gang Wang, Jialin Li, Liang Zhai, Xiang Li, Haibo He, Haikun Guo, Haibin Li, Chengji Zhao, Lixin Wu, Haolong Li
Summary: This study presents a facile strategy to prepare nanostructured polymer composite membranes with multiplex proton transport channels. These membranes exhibit high proton conductivity and modulus, and enhance the performance of direct methanol fuel cells.
COMPOSITES SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Xiang Li, Shengchao Chai, Liang Zhai, Haikun Guo, Haibo He, Haibin Li, Lixin Wu, Haolong Li
Summary: This work reports the development of supramolecular ionic network electrolytes, which use polyoxometalate nanoclusters as supramolecular crosslinkers to solidify bola-type zwitterionic liquids. The resulting self-supporting electrolytes possess semi-solid features and exhibit a high proton conductivity at low humidity. Additionally, the electrolytes show mechanical behavior similar to covalent polymer materials.
MACROMOLECULAR RAPID COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Liang Zhai, You-Liang Zhu, Gang Wang, Haibo He, Feiran Wang, Fengjing Jiang, Shengchao Chai, Xiang Li, Haikun Guo, Lixin Wu, Haolong Li
Summary: Nafion, as the mostly used proton exchange membrane in VRFBs, faces the challenge of vanadium permeation due to the large size difference between its anionic nanophase and cationic vanadium ions. This study introduces an ionic-nanophase hybridization strategy using fluorinated block copolymers (FBCs) and polyoxometalates (POMs) as supramolecular patching additives. The cooperative noncovalent interactions among Nafion, FBCs, and POMs result in a 1 nm-shrunk ionic nanophase with improved proton conductivity, selectivity, and VRFB performance.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Liang Zhai, Shengchao Chai, Tingting Li, Haibin Li, Siqi He, Haibo He, Xiang Li, Lixin Wu, Fengjing Jiang, Haolong Li
Summary: Ion-conducting membranes are crucial in redox flow batteries, but achieving a balance between ion conductivity and selectivity is challenging. This study introduces polyoxometalate-hybridized block copolymers as self-assembled additives to create proton-selective nanobarriers in the membrane matrix, resulting in improved structural and performance properties.
Review
Polymer Science
Tingting Li, Shengchao Chai, Binghui Liu, Chengji Zhao, Haolong Li
Summary: This review summarizes the recent research progress on all-carbon backbone aromatic polymers, with a specific focus on synthesis strategies, structure-performance relationships, and applications in PEMs.
JOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Feng-Rui Xu, Rui Shi, Xiang-Meng Jia, Sheng-Chao Chai, Hao-Long Li, Hu-Jun Qian, Zhong-Yuan Lu
Summary: Coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations were used to study the self-assembly behavior of polyoxometalate (POM) nanoparticles (NPs) decorated with mobile polymer ligands under melt conditions. The study demonstrated that due to the mobile nature of the grafted ligands on the NP surface, NPs have the ability to expose a part of their surfaces, leading to block-copolymer-like self-assembly behavior. This system can form long-range ordered structures such as block copolymers on a sub-10 nm scale, with the ability to manipulate the self-assembly structures of NPs decorated with mobile polymer ligands.
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.
