Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Devon S. Jakob, Nengxu Li, Huanping Zhou, Xiaoji G. Xu
Summary: This article introduces a novel method to generate Coulombic force in KPFM, increasing the spatial resolution to approximately 25 nm. By integrating PiFM, high spatial resolution chemical distributions and surface potential maps can be obtained concurrently. This is expected to facilitate characterizations of nanoscale electrical properties of photoactive materials, semiconductors, and ferroelectric materials.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Denys V. Benedis, Alexandre Dazzi, Mickael Rivallan, Gerhard D. Pirngruber
Summary: This study proposes to evaluate and validate the emerging spectroscopic space-resolved technique of atomic force microscopy coupled with infrared spectroscopy (AFM-IR). It is found that AFM-IR spectra of homogeneous polymers can be compared with conventional Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectra obtained in transmission. However, for inorganic solids, the AFM-IR spectra are different from the global FTIR spectra, indicating that the AFM-IR technique probes a volume that is not representative of the global composition and there is surface heterogeneity.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Laura Pagnin, Rita Wiesinger, Ayse Nur Koyun, Manfred Schreiner
Summary: Acrylic emulsions have been widely used in art since the 1950s, but their stability is affected when exposed to high humidity and atmospheric pollutants. Cleaning treatments for acrylic emulsions are challenging due to their tendency to alter when in contact with aqueous solutions. Research shows that atmospheric gas pollutants react with water molecules to produce acidic products that damage the acrylic matrix and promote surfactant migration.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Elvis Lopes Brito, Nicholas Ballard
Summary: Controlling the colloidal structure of multiphase latex particles can improve the mechanical properties of dried films in coatings. However, there is often conflict between optimal mechanical properties and good film formation at reduced temperatures. This study focuses on two-stage latex particles with a high glass transition temperature (Tg). The results show that film formation behavior in multiphase latex systems is influenced by the interplay between various colloidal and polymeric features, and a balance between low Tg film formation properties and high Tg polymer mechanical properties can be achieved by targeting a core-shell structure.
MACROMOLECULAR MATERIALS AND ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Ali Gharieh, Mobina Moghadas, Mohammadreza Pourghasem
Summary: The elastomeric core/amine-functionalized silica shell armored nanocomposite particles prepared through Pickering emulsion polymerization showed significant positive effects on the toughness, tensile strength, and modulus of epoxy resin. The incorporation of these particles enhanced fracture toughness by 8 times, fracture energy by 50 times, and tensile strength by 38% compared to neat epoxy resin, showcasing primary toughening mechanisms such as crack pinning, deflection, and debonding followed by plastic void growth.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Nata F. S. de Bem, Michael G. Ruppert, Andrew J. Fleming, Yuen K. Yong
Summary: The article introduces an atomic force microscope cantilever with on-chip actuation and dual-sensing capabilities. A mathematical model is developed and validated, and a physical prototype is presented for calibration and validation. Experimental results demonstrate consistency with external measurements.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS A-PHYSICAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Amir Farokh Payam, Alessio Morelli, Patrick Lemoine
Summary: A novel multiparametric approach is proposed in this paper for simultaneously quantifying the Hamaker constant and viscoelastic properties of materials, surpassing current equations used in the AFM community. The accuracy of the method is validated through multiple simulations and experiments, showing its superiority in material properties quantification compared to traditional AFM methods.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Physics, Multidisciplinary
Arindam Phani, Ho Sang Jung, Seonghwan Kim
Summary: Phase-contrast in tapping-mode atomic force microscopy has traditionally been interpreted using homogeneous distributions that ignore fluctuations, but recent research challenges this assumption by revealing heterogeneous contributions induced by the tip. At smaller tapping amplitudes, transitional heterogeneous losses emerge as the dominant mechanism outweighing homogeneous losses, providing a more accurate characterization of soft materials. This understanding of loss pathways can offer insights into the bio-physical origins of heterogeneities in soft-bio-matter.
COMMUNICATIONS PHYSICS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xiaohui Mao, Feifei Wang, Baoshan Lu, Tian Tang, Qi Liu, Hongbo Zeng
Summary: In this study, a novel polymer nanoparticle PBM@PDM was synthesized and used as a demulsifier for stable water-in-oil (W/O) or oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions. PBM@PDM could immediately induce coalescence of water droplets and effectively release water in W/O emulsion. It also successfully destabilized O/W emulsion stabilized by asphaltenes.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Xulian Hu, Hu Wang, Zhaoxi Zhou, Chen, Maochun Hong, Heqing Fu
Summary: In this study, epoxy resin composites with excellent self-healing effect were synthesized using modified nano silica. The thermal properties, mechanical properties, self-healing properties, and electrical conductivity of the composites were tested. The results showed that the composites exhibited outstanding self-healing performance.
REACTIVE & FUNCTIONAL POLYMERS
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Xintai Wang, Angelo Lamantia, Michael Jay, Hatef Sadeghi, Colin J. Lambert, Oleg Kolosov, Benjamin J. Robinson
Summary: A non-destructive method for probing the electrical and thermoelectric properties of small assemblies of molecules within a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) has been developed. The method combines a modified thermal-electric force microscopy approach with density functional theory calculations to quantify the electrical quantum transport properties of single molecules and small clusters. This approach allows for simultaneous measurement of the SAM's nanomechanical properties, as well as electrical and/or thermoelectric response, enabling correlation of film properties.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Sonali Bhaduri, Sudhanshu Mallick, Narendra Shiradkar, Anil Kottantharayil
Summary: Anti-soiling coatings are effective in reducing dust deposition on PV modules. This study used TM-AFM phase imaging to characterize the surface changes of four different anti-soiling coatings under various environmental stressors, demonstrating its potential as a promising approach for evaluating the performance of these coatings.
JOURNAL OF RENEWABLE AND SUSTAINABLE ENERGY
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Miriam Abad, Martina Nardi, Luis Oriol, Milagros Pinol, Eva Blasco
Summary: Self-assemblies containing the nucleobase analogue 2,6-diacylaminopyridine were prepared by aqueous seeded RAFT polymerization for the first time, with a phase diagram generated from the systematic variation of polymerization degree and solid concentration. Various morphologies of self-assemblies were observed and shown to be stable for almost a year, with successful loading and release of Nile Red demonstrated in both supramolecular cross-linked and non-cross-linked systems.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Haomin Wang, Joseph M. Gonzalez-Fialkowski, Wenqian Li, Qing Xie, Yan Yu, Xiaoji G. Xu
Summary: Peak force infrared (PFIR) microscopy is an advanced atomic force microscopy technique that allows surpassing Abbe's diffraction limit in chemical nanoimaging and spectroscopy. By developing liquid-phase peak force infrared (LiPFIR) microscopy, it enables in situ tracking and detection of chemical reactions in fluid environments, providing high-resolution infrared imaging and spectroscopy capabilities for soft matters and biological samples.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Michal Levin, Megan T. Valentine, Noy Cohen
Summary: Hydrogels are hydrophilic polymer networks that swell in water and have a wide range of applications. This study investigates the equilibrium mechanical responses of hydrogel-based shells filled with a liquid core, showing that the shell geometry and core composition can influence the mechanical response of the structure. The results provide guidance for designing novel core-shell structures with tunable properties and mechanical responses.
JOURNAL OF THE MECHANICAL BEHAVIOR OF BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Panpan Zhang, Xu Wang, Yangyang Yang, Haifeng Yang, Chunsheng Lu, Mingru Su, Yu Zhou, Aichun Dou, Xiaowei Li, Xiaochuan Hou, Yunjian Liu
Summary: In this study, the influence of transition metal doping on the electronic and mechanical properties and electrochemical performance of 2HMoS2/NC was investigated using Cobalt (Co) as an example. Co doping was found to effectively improve the electronic conductivity and active site areas of 2H-MoS2/NC at different positions, optimizing the adsorption and diffusion capability of potassium ions. Furthermore, the study revealed the optimal roles of different types of nitrogen atoms in kinetic adsorption, diffusion, and interfacial stability of potassium ions. These findings provide guidance for the experimental design of high rate 2H-MoS2/NC electrode materials and the optimal design of other functional composite materials.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Zeeshan Ajmal, Mahmood Ul Haq, Shahid Zaman, M. K. Al-Muhanna, Anuj Kumar, Mohammed M. Fadhali, Siwar Ben Hadj Hassine, Muhammas Qasim, K. F. Alshammari, Ghulam Abbas Ashraf, Abdul Qadeer, Adil Murtaza, Sulaiman Al-Sulaimi, Huaqiang Zeng
Summary: This study presents a novel heterojunction structure (SrTiO3/CN-TAL10.0) for enhanced photocatalytic water splitting (PWS). The incorporation of thiophenedicarboxaldehyde (TAL) through copolymerization significantly improves the photocatalytic activity of carbon nitride (CN) while maintaining its photostability performance. The optimized composition allows efficient isolation of photoinduced charge carriers and enhanced charge transport, resulting in a remarkable increase in overall photocatalytic efficiency.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Angela Arnosa-Prieto, Patricia Diaz-Rodriguez, Manuel A. Gonzalez-Gomez, Pelayo Garcia-Acevedo, Lisandra de Castro-Alves, Yolanda Pineiro, Jose Rivas
Summary: Macrophages can exhibit different phenotypes depending on the microenvironment and the characteristics of magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (MNPs). This study demonstrates that the concentration and morphology of MNPs can influence the polarization of macrophages. The findings have implications for therapeutics targeting tissue regeneration and tumor progression.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yu Fang, Cheng-Ye Zhu, Hao-Cheng Yang, Chao Zhang, Zhi-Kang Xu
Summary: This study demonstrates the advantages of vacuum-assisted interfacial polymerization (VAIP) in fabricating polyimide nanofiltration membranes. By using vacuum filtration, aqueous solutions of PIP can be evenly distributed on different microfiltration substrates, leading to the fabrication of uniform and ultra-thin polyamide layers with excellent performance. The membranes exhibit high rejection rates and water permeance, as well as satisfactory long-term stability.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Isaac J. Gresham, Edwin C. Johnson, Hayden Robertson, Joshua D. Willott, Grant B. Webber, Erica J. Wanless, Andrew R. J. Nelson, Stuart W. Prescott
Summary: Understanding the interactions between polymers and surfactants is crucial for optimizing commercial systems. This study tested the behavior of polymer-surfactant systems, revealing that they do not behave like polyelectrolytes in the presence of salt. Additionally, the structure of polymer-surfactant complexes under confinement differs from that of polyelectrolytes.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yunxiao Xie, Cui Liu, Jie Zhang, Yan Li, Bin Li, Shilin Liu
Summary: This study aimed to improve the microstructure and rheological properties of W/W Pickering emulsions by crosslinking sodium alginate at the water-water interface, thereby enhancing the activity of encapsulated probiotics in simulated gastrointestinal digestion.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Sang Ho Lee, Yige Sun, Patrick S. Grant
Summary: This research developed an effective approach to enhance the charging rates of lithium ion batteries (LIBs) by strategically incorporating carbon nanotube (CNT) conductivity boosters into Li4Ti5O12 (LTO) electrodes. Multi-layer architectures comprising CNT-rich and CNT-free LTO electrode layers were manufactured using a layer-by-layer spray coating method to promote charge transfer kinetics of high mass loading electrodes. The best performing multi-layer was paired with a spray-coated LiFePO4 (LFP) positive electrode, resulting in attractive power performance that outperformed conventional LTO || LFP combinations.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jingwei Liang, Shaobin Li, Fengbo Li, Li Zhang, Yufeng Jiang, Huiyuan Ma, Kun Cheng, Liang Qing
Summary: A molybdenum-regulated self-supporting electrode material with rich vacancy defects has been successfully synthesized and shows exceptional catalytic activities and stability for electrocatalytic overall water splitting. This study provides a new perspective for the design and synthesis of non-precious metal bifunctional electrocatalysts.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jonas Blahnik, Jennifer Schuster, Rainer Mueller, Eva Mueller, Werner Kunz
Summary: This study investigates the relationship between the morphology of PMMA monopolymers and PMMA-PHEMA copolymers with the expected nature of surfactant-free microemulsions (SFMEs) before polymerization. It is found that previously mesostructured, surfactant-free mixtures can produce porous polymers of different morphologies, while unstructured, oil-rich regions lead to solid, transparent polymers without nanostructured morphologies. Additionally, a surfactant-based reference system shows similar phase behavior and polymer morphologies as the comparable surfactant-free system, indicating the importance of the hydrotropic behavior of HEMA in this system.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Zheng-Fen Pu, Wen-Zhi She, Rong Sheng Li, Qiu-Lin Wen, Bi-Chao Wu, Chun-Hua Li, Jian Ling, Qiue Cao
Summary: This study synthesized two framework-isomeric covalent organic frameworks (COFs) and discovered that the light scattering signal of COFs can be used for the analytical detection of lead ions. By controlling synthesis conditions and introducing regulators, the morphology of COFs could be controlled and framework-isomeric COFs could be precisely synthesized.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yuchen Weng, Ying Hong, Jingyu Deng, Sicheng Cao, Li-Juan Fan
Summary: This paper reports the preparation of dynamic color-changing fluorescent polymer nanoparticles (PNPs) by constructing a fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) pair. The PNPs show excellent anti-counterfeiting effects and reproducibility. The study demonstrates a promising encryption strategy that can achieve multiple outputs with simple operation.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Guodong Liu, Zijian Wang, Jianing Wang, Hanbin Liu, Zhijian Li
Summary: This study investigates the combination of multicolor switchable polyaniline (PANI) electrode and 1-methyl-4,4'-bipyridyl iodide (MBI), which demonstrates superior optical properties in visible and near-infrared light modulation, as well as excellent electrochemical performances. This combination can be used to develop novel electrochromic devices for applications in smart packaging, smart labels, and flexible smart windows.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Huying Yan, Yang Guo, Xingzhi Bai, Jiawei Qi, Haipeng Lu
Summary: By modifying Ti3C2Tx through heterogeneous interface engineering, optimized impedance matching is achieved, leading to enhanced electromagnetic wave absorption performance.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Kehu Zhang, Yang Zhou, Silvia Moreno, Simona Schwarz, Susanne Boye, Brigitte Voit, Dietmar Appelhans
Summary: This article presents an advanced crosslinking strategy to fabricate clustered polymersomes using host-guest interactions. By controlling the input of crosslinker and environmental conditions, reversible aggregation and disassembly of these polymersomes can be achieved. The size and structure of these clustered polymersomes can be regulated and visualized through a fluorescent enzymatic cascade reaction.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Junjie Xu, Weixiong Huang, Ruiling Li, Li Li, Jinjin Ma, Jiaou Qi, Haiyan Ma, Min Ruan, Lilin Lu
Summary: In this study, a potassium doped palladium catalyst was developed for acetylene hydrogenation, showing excellent catalytic performance and durability. The doping of potassium effectively weakened the adsorption of ethylene, improved ethylene selectivity, and lowered the barriers of hydrogen activation and transfer reactions.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2024)