Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nassima El Miri, Ellinor Baevre Heggset, Sara Wallsten, Anna Svedberg, Kristin Syverud, Magnus Norgren
Summary: This study aimed to modulate the properties of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) by introducing different functional groups on the surface through various chemical modifications. The results showed that the properties of CNCs varied depending on the grafted functionalities. Interestingly, the modifications maintained colloidal stability and improved thermal stability and oxygen barrier properties.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2022)
Review
Polymer Science
Solange Magalhaes, Catarina Fernandes, Jorge F. S. Pedrosa, Luis Alves, Bruno Medronho, Paulo J. T. Ferreira, Maria da Graca Rasteiro
Summary: Cellulose, the most abundant renewable polymer on Earth, can be obtained from various sources. Traditional fractionation methods involve harsh chemicals, but new sustainable processes have been developed. Cellulose and its derivatives have wide applications, particularly in textiles and packaging, as eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic materials. This review discusses cellulose's properties, green extraction methods, chemical modification, and applications of cellulose derivatives.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xianpeng Yang, Subir Kumar Biswas, Jingquan Han, Supachok Tanpichai, Mei-Chun Li, Chuchu Chen, Sailing Zhu, Atanu Kumar Das, Hiroyuki Yano
Summary: The article focuses on the importance of nanocelluloses in material engineering and the methods of their preparation, as well as the significance of surface and interface engineering in the process of nanocellulose fabrication.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Alessandro Ianiro, Jose Augusto Berrocal, Remco Tuinier, Michael Mayer, Christoph Weder
Summary: This paper presents a theoretical investigation on a new actuator design using anisotropic colloidal particles grafted with stimuli-responsive polymer chains. These artificial muscles combine the osmotic actuation principle of hydrogels with the structural alignment of colloidal liquid crystals for directional motion. The study identifies the solubility, degree of polymerization, salt concentration, and grafting density of the polymer chains as important factors for actuator performance and tunability. Computational results suggest that the proposed material matches or exceeds the performances of natural muscles, providing guidelines for the realization of artificial muscles with predefined actuation properties.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Qi-Lin Lu, Jiayin Wu, Yonggui Li, Lu Li, Biao Huang
Summary: A green and cost-effective approach was developed to produce high-yield FCNs, utilizing recyclable PDES for cost reduction and waste treatment. By adding FCNs into gelatin matrix, bionanocomposites with remarkable stress transfer potential were obtained.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Vanja Kokol, Sara Novak, Veno Kononenko, Monika Kos, Vera Vivod, Nina Gunde-Cimerman, Damjana Drobne
Summary: Dialdehyde cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) and nanocrystals (CNC) were prepared and subsequently functionalized to create partially crosslinked micro-sized particles (CNF/CNC-ox-HMDA). CNF/CNC-ox-HMDA showed higher antibacterial activity, especially against S. aureus.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Ahmed I. A. Soliman, Jonathan A. Diaz Baca, Pedram Fatehi
Summary: A one-pot hydrothermal procedure was used to develop magnetic cellulose nanocrystal (MCNC) from microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) in the presence of ferric chloride, ferrous chloride, urea, and hydrochloric acid. The composite of MCNC with magnetite (Fe3O4) showed potential as an adsorbent for water treatment and environmental remediation. Post-treatment with chloroacetic acid (CAA), chlorosulfonic acid (CSA), or iodobenzene (IB) improved the adsorption capacity of MCNC for doxycycline hyclate (DOX) by introducing carboxylate, sulfonate, and phenyl groups.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Mohammed Majdoub, Younes Essamlali, Othmane Amadine, Ikram Ganetri, Anass Hafnaoui, Mehdi Khouloud, Mohamed Zahouily
Summary: A novel method for producing organophilic cellulose nanocrystals (CNC-ODA) from microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) was proposed. Surface modification of MCC was achieved through chemical oxidation, citric acid esterification, and amidation reactions. The resulting nanocrystals exhibited improved hydrophobicity and thermal stability compared to unmodified MCC.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Marina Voronova, Darya L. Gurina, Oleg Surov, Anatoly G. Zakharov
Summary: In this study, physical adsorption of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) was used to modify cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), with a focus on the effect of PVP molecular weight on dispersion in dichloromethane (DCM). Through molecular dynamics simulation, it was found that PCL macromolecules have minimal direct contacts with the CNC surface but are located between PVP macromolecules, which are predominantly situated near the CNC particle surface.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Bowen Li, Chaoqun Xu, Juan Yu, Liang Liu, Xiaofang Zhang, Yimin Fan
Summary: This paper demonstrates a novel one-pot method for the etherification and self-crosslinking of cellulose using the mild hydroxyne click reaction in a homogeneous system. The resulting cellulose phenyl propylene ketone ethers (CPPKs) possess excellent mechanical properties and solvent resistance due to the crosslinking formed by the conjugated C=C double bonds. Furthermore, the CPPK films show excellent UV-shielding and self-reinforcing properties.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Byeong M. Oh, Yongcheol Jeong, Jian Zheng, Na Young Cho, Myungkwan Song, Jin Woo Choi, Jong H. Kim
Summary: In this study, a UV-light-curable azide ligand was used to micro-pattern PeQDs, resulting in high-resolution square patterns. This method demonstrates potential application prospects for PeQD micro-patterning.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Weisong Zhao, Hong Chi, Shiyun Zhang, Xue Zhang, Tianduo Li
Summary: In this study, a porous adsorbent containing cellulose nanocrystals, Ti3C2Tx MXene and polyvinyl alcohol was prepared by a simple and environmentally-friendly foaming method. The adsorbent showed high adsorption capacity for methylene blue, fitting well with Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetic models. The adsorption process was found to be spontaneous and endothermic, and the mechanism was attributed to electrostatic interaction.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
YunJin Kim, Junsik Bang, Jungkyu Kim, June-Ho Choi, Sung-Wook Hwang, Hwanmyeong Yeo, In-Gyu Choi, Hyoung-Joon Jin, Hyo Won Kwak
Summary: Nanocellulose is gaining interest as an eco-friendly water treatment material due to its large specific surface area and abundant hydroxyl functional groups, but its dispersion state hampers practical usage. A regenerated cellulose hydrogel with cationic functional groups was developed to address the low performance of nanocellulose in removing anionic pollutants. The PEI surface cationization process improved mechanical rigidity and showed excellent Cr(VI) removal capacity, maintaining high efficiency after multiple reuses.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Lachlan Thompson, Mostafa Nikzad, Igor Sbarski, Aimin Yu
Summary: The surface of cellulose nanocrystals was successfully modified to improve its compatibility with organic network, and the modified particles dispersed well in the epoxy network. The inclusion of the modified cellulose nanocrystals had a positive impact on the curing process and storage modulus of the epoxy nanocomposite.
PROGRESS IN NATURAL SCIENCE-MATERIALS INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Francisco de Borja Ojembarrena, Hassan Sammaraie, Cristina Campano, Angeles Blanco, Noemi Merayo, Carlos Negro
Summary: This study investigated the adsorption removal of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) from industrial wastewaters using cationic cellulose nanocrystals (CCNC). The results showed that CCNC is capable of rapidly removing Cr(VI) and converting it into less-toxic trivalent species.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Antonino Cucinotta, Christophe Kahlfuss, Andrea Minoia, Samuel Eyley, Keanu Zwaenepoel, Gangamallaiah Velpula, Wim Thielemans, Roberto Lazzaroni, Veronique Bulach, Mir Wais Hosseini, Kunal S. Mali, Steven De Feyter
Summary: In this study, we achieved the expression and amplification of chirality in 2D metallosupramolecular networks formed by a nucleobase derivative. A racemic compound was obtained in the absence of coordinating metal ions, but spontaneous resolution occurred upon the addition of a coordinating ion or suitable guest molecule. The use of enantiopure solvent broke the mirror symmetry and resulted in a globally homochiral surface.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Hongshan Zhu, Stephan Heinitz, Samuel Eyley, Wim Thielemans, Koen Binnemans, Steven Mullens, Thomas Cardinaels
Summary: 213Bi is a promising candidate for targeted alpha therapy, but finding suitable materials to separate it from its parent 225Ac is an ongoing challenge. This study evaluates sulfonated activated carbon (SNCAs) as alternative sorbents for use in radionuclide generators and finds that SNCAs have high and selective uptake of Bi3+. Different elution solutions can efficiently extract Bi3+ from SNCAs. This research suggests that SNCAs with sufficient oxygen-containing groups are promising sorbents for the separation of 213Bi in an inverse 225Ac/213Bi radionuclide generator.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yong Zhou, Martine Trentesaux, Maya Marinova, Sergei Chernyak, Jean-Charles Morin, Melanie Dubois, Samuel Eyley, Wim Thielemans, Vlad Martin-Diaconescu, Andrei Khodakov, Jeremie Zaffran, Vitaly Ordomsky
Summary: In conventional bifunctional catalysts, active metal sites are associated with metal components, while acid sites are usually localized over oxide supports. The modification of metal sites by halogens provides an opportunity to generate acidity via the heterolytic dissociation of hydrogen directly over metal sites. High-throughput screening of different metal-halogen combinations reveals that only Pd and Pt catalysts demonstrate the formation of acid sites by interaction with Br, Cl, and I. Characterization and density functional theory (DFT) modeling suggest that hydrogen heterolytic dissociation occurs over halogens localized at the edges and corners of Pd and Pt nanoparticles, with the strength of the acid sites increasing with the electronegativity of the halogen.
Review
Polymer Science
Ineke Velghe, Bart Buffel, Veerle Vandeginste, Wim Thielemans, Frederik Desplentere
Summary: This review paper provides an overview of the state of the art on process-induced degradation of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and the relative importance of different processing variables. The review focuses on degradation during melt processing techniques, such as injection molding and extrusion, and discusses general processing and fundamental variables, material properties for monitoring degradation, the effects of processing variables, and additives for melt stabilization. Despite existing knowledge on degradation reactions and their effects on PLA properties, gaps still remain in selecting and predicting processing conditions that minimize process-induced degradation.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
An-Sofie Huysecom, Christ Glorieux, Jan Thoen, Wim Thielemans, Charles-Andre Fustin, Paula Moldenaers, Ruth Cardinaels
Summary: This article investigates the micellization process of block copolymers of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) and poly(propylene oxide) (PPO). The results show that multiblock copolymers have lower transition temperatures and higher thermodynamic driving forces for micellization compared to triblock copolymers, due to the presence of multiple PPO blocks per chain. With increasing concentration, multiblock copolymers gradually form a viscoelastic network formed by soluble bridges in between micellar nodes, while triblock micelles jam into liquid crystalline phases resembling an elastic colloidal crystal.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Zuxin Sun, Gordana Backovic, Wim Thielemans
Summary: Due to different extraction methods, CNCs have different surface groups with different degrees of substitution (DS), which affect the electrode properties of PPy/CNCs electrodes. The DS of CNCs sulfate groups has a significant effect on the electrode structure and electrochemical performance, while the DS of carboxylates does not. PPy/CNCs electrodes with carboxylated CNCs and a low DS of sulfate groups exhibit a porous and interconnected structure, while PPy/CNCs electrodes with carboxylated CNCs with a high DS of sulfate groups have a dense structure. The use of high-DS sulfate CNCs in dense PPy electrodes increases the charge storage capacity over cycles, showing improved structure and electrolyte perfusion.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Niklas Herrmann, Cristina Martin, Samuel Eyley, Yusen Li, Nerea Bilbao, Victor Rubio-Gimenez, Mark Van der Auweraer, Wim Thielemans, Long Chen, Kunal S. Mali, Steven De Feyter
Summary: This article reports the rapid reaction kinetics of a 2D polymer based on imine, which is formed from a single monomer containing both aldehyde and amine groups. The results suggest a direct transition from monomer to crystalline polymer without an amorphous intermediate.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sasikumar Rahul, Miriam C. Rodriguez C. Gonzalez, Shingo Hirose, Hiromasa Kaneko, Kazukuni Tahara, Kunal S. Mali, Steven De Feyter
Summary: Chemical patterning surfaces have significant value in various fields such as electronics, catalysis, sensing, and photonics. We propose a new strategy for chemical patterning of graphite using a combination of covalent and non-covalent methods. By modifying the design of the template alkane and using alkane with alkoxy terminal groups, better pattern transfer fidelity can be achieved. We also introduce the use of chronoamperometry (CA) instead of cyclic voltammetry (CV) for functionalization, enabling the formation of patterns at different length scales.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Thi Mien Trung Huynh, Kazukuni Tahara, Steven De Feyter, Thanh Hai Phan
Summary: Multilayered growth is commonly seen when aryl diazonium derivatives are electrografted onto graphitic substrates. The mechanism of this growth has been studied through various methods, including measuring layer thickness, charge transfer, and simulations. However, spectroscopy and microscopy approaches have been underrepresented. This study presents a comparative characterization of multilayer growth using cyclic voltammetry, atomic force microscopy, and scanning tunneling microscopy, showing the influence of functional groups on the growth mechanism.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yong Zhou, Martine Trentesaux, Maya Marinova, Sergei Chernyak, Jean-Charles Morin, Melanie Dubois, Samuel Eyley, Wim Thielemans, Vlad Martin-Diaconescu, Andrei Khodakov, Jeremie Zaffran, Vitaly Ordomsky
Summary: In conventional bifunctional catalysts, metal sites are responsible for catalytic activity, while acid sites are typically located on oxide supports. This study investigates the modification of metal sites with halogens to generate acidity through the heterolytic dissociation of hydrogen. High-throughput screening of different combinations of metals (Co, Ni, Ru, Pt, Pd, Rh) and halogens (Cl, Br, I) reveals that only Pd and Pt catalysts can form acid sites through interaction with Br, Cl, and I. Characterization and density functional theory (DFT) modeling suggest that hydrogen undergoes heterolytic dissociation over halogens located at the edges and corners of Pd and Pt nanoparticles, with the strength of the acid sites increasing with the electronegativity of the halogen.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Tamara Rinkovec, Demian Kalebic, Mark Van der Auweraer, Wim Dehaen, Jeremy N. Harvey, Steven De Feyter
Summary: This study investigates the effect of concentration on the self-assembly process of molecular networks using scanning tunneling microscopy. The research aims to improve the understanding of 2D supramolecular chemistry by obtaining quantitative data. The results show highly cooperative behavior and the significant impact of molecular structure on the critical concentration.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY C
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yuta Sato, Steven De Feyter, Kazukuni Tahara
Summary: This study reports the formation of porous structures on alkane buffer layers on graphite through molecular self-assembly. Dehydrobenzo[12]-annulene (DBA) derivative was found to form hexagonal structures on n-pentacontane and n-hexacontane buffer layers through van der Waals interactions. The nucleation and structural growth of the DBA network on a buffer layer were discussed, and a hierarchical multicomponent structure was formed through heteromolecular coadsorption. This study provides insights into the construction of intricate 3D nanoarchitectures using self-assembly at interfaces.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Tim de la Croix, Nathalie Claes, Samuel Eyley, Wim Thielemans, Sara Bals, Dirk De Vos
Summary: This study investigates the potential of using heterogeneous platinum catalysts for the transfer dehydrogenation of long-chain alkanes, using ethylene as a hydrogen acceptor. The results show that the addition of tin to the catalyst leads to lower initial reaction rates but better resistance to catalyst deactivation and increased selectivity towards alkylaromatics.
CATALYSIS SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Matsuhiro Maeda, Kazuya Sato, Steven De Feyter, Kazukuni Tahara
Summary: We report the construction of homochiral, hierarchical self-assembled molecular networks at the liquid/graphite interface using a single chiral molecular building block through dynamic self-sorting.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hongshan Zhu, Stephan Heinitz, Samuel Eyley, Wim Thielemans, Elien Derveaux, Peter Adriaensens, Koen Binnemans, Steven Mullens, Thomas Cardinaels
Summary: In this study, the effects of gamma radiation on AG MP-50 cation exchange resin and sulfonated activated carbon (SAC) were investigated. It was found that the surface sulfonic acid groups of AG MP-50 resin suffered severe radiation-induced degradation, while no apparent changes in acquired morphological characteristics were observed for SAC. The sorption performance of both materials for La3+ and Bi3+ remained generally the same.
