Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Qilin Guo, Runze Xue, Jian Zhao, Yuxia Zhang, Gea T. van de Kerkhof, Kunyu Zhang, Yuesheng Li, Silvia Vignolini, Dong-Po Song
Summary: The research team synthesized amphiphilic polyester-block-poly(ethylene glycol) bottlebrush block copolymers with polylactic acid or poly(epsilon-caprolactone) as the hydrophobic block, which were used to fabricate biodegradable photonic pigments that can achieve highly saturated and tunable structural colors.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Characterization & Testing
Yanyan Xu, Qinan Zhang, Zhao Wang, Liqun Zhang
Summary: In this study, a new class of biobased thermoplastic polyester elastomers, poly(butylene terephthalate)-poly(1,4-butylene/2,3-butylene succinate) (PBT-PBBS) copolyesters, were designed and synthesized. These copolyesters exhibited a desired block structure, with a hard phase of crystallized PBT and a soft phase of amorphous PBBS. By adjusting the polycondensation time or the molar ratio of PBT to PBBS, the mechanical properties of these copolyesters, such as tensile strength and elongation at break, could be flexibly tailored. Therefore, they have potential applications in elastomers, hot-melt adhesives, and toughening modifiers.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Lidia Jasinska-Walc, Miloud Bouyahyi, Rob Duchateau
Summary: Polymers are essential in our modern life, but the growing pollution and emission of greenhouse gases have challenged their sustainability. The design for recycling and life-cycle analysis are becoming crucial in polymer selection. Functionalized polyolefins show great potential in various applications, such as fluorescent sensors, nanoporous membrane preparation, and improving compatibility in polymer blends.
ACCOUNTS OF CHEMICAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Polymer Science
Carlos Diaz, Parisa Mehrkhodavandi
Summary: Controlled synthesis of block copolymers through ring-opening polymerization and copolymerization reactions enables the production of new materials with tunable properties by combining polyester blocks with other oxygenated polymers. This review highlights recent advances in the synthesis of multiblock copolymers with biodegradable polyester segments.
Article
Polymer Science
Lucie Fournier, Daniela M. Rivera Mirabal, Marc A. Hillmyer
Summary: Efforts have been made to develop biobased and degradable graft copolymers through a one-pot strategy, resulting in fully converted lactone-functionalized polymers. The materials obtained have highly tunable mechanical properties.
Article
Polymer Science
Lucie Fournier, Daniela M. Rivera Mirabal, Marc A. Hillmyer
Summary: As the demand for renewable and degradable alternative plastics continues to increase, researchers have developed a method for synthesizing fully biobased and degradable graft copolymers with tunable properties. By using a one-pot strategy, the researchers successfully synthesized graft copolymers with polymerizable lactone groups under mild conditions. The resulting materials exhibited highly tunable mechanical properties, making them suitable for various applications.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ryan P. Collanton, Christopher J. Ellison, Kevin D. Dorfman
Summary: Block copolymers have been studied for their role in interface thermodynamics at homopolymer interfaces. The research finds that interface thermodynamics are more sensitive to block degree of polymerization than to the number of blocks. In addition, a strong correlation is identified between the spatial uniformity of block junctions on the interface and the reduction of interfacial tension.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Jeremy L. Swartz, Benjamin R. Elling, Ioannina Castano, Matthew P. Thompson, Daylan T. Sheppard, Nathan C. Gianneschi, William R. Dichtel
Summary: This study introduces a method to enhance the mechanical properties of a miscible blend of thermoplastic polyurethane and polycaprolactone by introducing a copolymer of the two corresponding monomers. The copolymers were generated through a solvent-free, ester/urethane bond-exchange process conducted during the coextrusion of the two polymers. The extrusion conditions affected the extent of bond exchange and the resulting properties of the blend.
Article
Polymer Science
Lei Hou, Zhanwen Xu, Weihua Li
Summary: Precise control of self-assembled structures in solution by tailoring molecular architecture is of great significance for the utilization of amphiphilic block copolymers. In this study, we investigated the self-assembly behavior of A'(A''B)n miktoarm star copolymer in dilute solution by changing architectural parameters. The phase behavior and self-assembled morphologies were studied using dissipative particle dynamics, and notable differences were observed in B-selective and A-selective solvents due to the effect of molecular spontaneous curvature. The results deepen the understanding of molecular design of amphiphilic block copolymers and provide theoretical guidance for preparing required morphologies in experiments.
Article
Polymer Science
Minjoon Baek, Hanseok Kim, Jaeman J. Shin
Summary: Hierarchically structured polymeric colloids were rapidly produced by confined self-assembly of bottlebrush random copolymers in evaporative emulsion droplets. The internal structures of the particles developed instantaneously during the early stage of solvent evaporation due to the confinement effect and fast-assembling polymer architecture. Different particle morphologies were achieved by adjusting the volume fraction of copolymers.
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Zhenfeng Guo, Yuvraj Patil, Akira Shinohara, Kazuhiko Nagura, Manabu Yoshida, Takashi Nakanishi
Summary: Electrets are dielectric materials that can generate electrostatic charge without an external electric field and are commonly used in daily life applications. The development of flexible electret materials, particularly those based on organic molecules and soft polymers, is urgently needed for stretchable/wearable devices. Recent advancements in flexible/stretchable electrets, such as the world's first stretchable electret prepared from a molecular liquid, present new challenges and opportunities for the future of soft electronics.
MOLECULAR SYSTEMS DESIGN & ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Aritra Sarkar, Ranjan Sasmal, Angshuman Das, Akhil Venugopal, Sarit S. Agasti, Subi J. George
Summary: The synthesis of supramolecular block co-polymers with small monomers and predictive sequence requires elegant molecular design and synthetic strategies. A kinetically controlled sequential seeded supramolecular polymerization method was reported to synthesize tri-component supramolecular BCPs with tunable microstructure, with the use of fluorescent pi-conjugated monomers and core-substituted naphthalene diimide derivatives. This method provides a promising platform for constructing unique functional organic heterostructures for various optoelectronic and catalytic applications.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xiaolin Guan, Lin Wang, Meina Liu, Kailong Wang, Xueqin Yang, Yuanyuan Ding, Jinhui Tong, Ziqiang Lei, Shoujun Lai
Summary: Novel small-size Pdots with excellent optical properties were successfully prepared in this study, showing distinct emission spectra, tunable fluorescence properties, and good biocompatibility in bioimaging and biosensing applications.
MATERIALS CHEMISTRY FRONTIERS
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Tingyu He, Atsushi Narumi, Yanqiu Wang, Liang Xu, Shin-ichiro Sato, Xiande Shen, Toyoji Kakuchi
Summary: A synthetic method for a series of poly(glycidol)-based amphiphilic block copolymers was presented with controlled ring-opening polymerization, leading to well-defined diblock copolymers. These block copolymers demonstrated excellent micelle-forming properties in aqueous media, indicating their potential use in drug delivery systems or other applications.
Article
Polymer Science
Yao Sun, Fei Gao, Yuan Yao, Haibao Jin, Xinxin Li, Shaoliang Lin
Summary: A simple and robust strategy for light-induced reversible hierarchical self-assembly of block copolymers is presented, involving a two-step self-assembly process driven by solvent. The process is accompanied by reversible fluorescence, encapsulation, and controlled release, serving as a template for nanoparticle synthesis. This light-enabled reversible hierarchical self-assembly holds potential as a platform for smart delivery vehicles and nanomaterial templates.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Tim Bernges, Riley Hanus, Bjoern Wankmiller, Kazuki Imasato, Siqi Lin, Michael Ghidiu, Marius Gerlitz, Martin Peterlechner, Samuel Graham, Geoffroy Hautier, Yanzhong Pei, Michael Ryan Hansen, Gerhard Wilde, G. Jeffrey Snyder, Janine George, Matthias T. Agne, Wolfgang G. Zeier
Summary: Next-generation thermal management requires the development of materials with low lattice thermal conductivity, such as ionic conductors. However, high ionic conductivity can negatively affect thermoelectric devices. This study shows that high ionic mobility is not a requirement for diffuson-mediated transport, and that the same structural traits that enable fast ionic conduction also lead to diffuson-mediated transport.
ADVANCED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Linlin Chu, Yan Zhao, Robert Graf, Xiao-Liang Wang, Ye-Feng Yao
Summary: This study investigated the influence of short-chain polymers on the entangled polymer network and found that they can significantly alter the network formed by long-chain polymers. The number of chain ends and the size of the short-chain polymer were also found to have clear effects on the network.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jens Matthies Wrogemann, Lukas Haneke, Thrinathreddy Ramireddy, Joop Enno Frerichs, Irin Sultana, Ying Ian Chen, Frank Brink, Michael Ryan Hansen, Martin Winter, Alexey M. Glushenkov, Tobias Placke
Summary: Dual-graphite batteries (DGBs) have gained attention as a low-cost technology for stationary energy storage. This study introduces a composite of black phosphorus with carbon (BP-C) as the negative electrode material for dual-ion batteries (DIBs) and investigates its electrochemical behavior.
Article
Polymer Science
Milo Gardeniers, Mohanraj Mani, Ele de Boer, Daniel Hermida-Merino, Robert Graf, Sanjay Rastogi, Jules A. W. Harings
Summary: This article investigates the influence of superheated water on the structural refinement of polyamide 6 and finds that it can enhance the thermomechanical performance of polyamide 6. Based on the experimental results, the pseudo-hexagonal phase of polyamide 6 can dissolve at a relatively low temperature in superheated water and crystallize into a defected monoclinic phase, which then refines to a perfected monoclinic structure. Additionally, the removal of water leads to the preservation of the most thermodynamically stable crystallographic phase, resulting in increased mechanical properties and dimensional stability of the product.
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Mehrnoosh Ghanad, Negar Akrami, Philipp Keil, Henrik Bradtmueller, Michael Ryan Hansen, Jalil Vahdati Khaki, Sahar Mollazadeh Beidokhti
Summary: Considerable progress has been made in designing boron-containing bioglasses for soft tissue regeneration using low-cost solution combustion synthesis. The resulting borate-based glasses exhibit highly porous microstructures and absence of crystalline impurity phases. The synthesis parameters can be fine-tuned to produce 1393-B3 glass powders with tailored physical properties.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Renato Grigolon Capelo, Josef Maximilian Gerdes, Ulrich Rehfuss, Lais Dantas Silva, Michael Ryan Hansen, Leo van Wuellen, Hellmut Eckert, Danilo Manzani
Summary: This study reports the preparation, optical, and structural characterization of a new fluoride-phosphotellurite glass, which possesses high thermal stability and network connectivity, making it suitable for optoelectronics and photonic devices applications.
DALTON TRANSACTIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Christian Schroeder, Michael Ryan Hansen, Hubert Koller
Summary: The interaction between Bri nsted acid sites, AlOH groups, and residual NH4+ cations in zeolites mordenite and ferrierite was investigated. High temperatures are required to eliminate NH4+. NMR data reveal NH4+ cations primarily in the vicinity of BAS and other NH4+ in mordenite, while AlOH groups in ferrierite.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY C
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Tomy Muringayil Joseph, Debarshi Kar Mahapatra, Amin Esmaeili, Lukasz Piszczyk, Mohamed S. Hasanin, Mashhoor Kattali, Jozef Haponiuk, Sabu Thomas
Summary: The nature of human curiosity, wonder, and ingenuity has existed since ancient times. Alongside the development of human civilization, there has been a growing interest in the scientific understanding of natural phenomena. In recent years, there has been significant progress in the use of nanotechnology in medicine and drug delivery. Nanomaterials have emerged as essential tools in modern medicine, with applications ranging from imaging to tumor-targeted drug delivery. However, the use of nanoparticles also presents environmental and societal challenges, particularly regarding toxicity. This review highlights the contributions of nanoparticles to medicine and pharmaceuticals and discusses the future impact of nanotechnology in these fields.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Johannes Hartel, Ananya Banik, Josef Maximilian Gerdes, Bjoern Wankmiller, Bianca Helm, Cheng Li, Marvin A. Kraft, Michael Ryan Hansen, Wolfgang G. Zeier
Summary: To develop solid-state batteries with high power and energy densities, solid electrolytes with fast Li+ transport are required. The selenophosphate-based lithium argyrodites Li6-x PSe5-x Br1+x (0 <= x <= 0.2) exhibit high ionic conductivities up to 8.5 mS cm-1, achieved by better interconnection of Li+ cages and additional Li+ sites. However, these selenophosphate-based lithium argyrodites are not suitable for lithium nickel cobalt manganese oxide-based solid-state batteries due to severe degradation upon charging. The work expands understanding of the structure-transport relationship in Li+ conducting argyrodites and emphasizes the importance of considering chemical and electrochemical stability of solid electrolytes when developing fast Li+ conductors.
CHEMISTRY OF MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Amr H. Hashem, Abdulaziz A. Al-Askar, Jozef Haponiuk, Kamel A. Abd-Elsalam, Mohamed S. Hasanin
Summary: In this study, trimetallic copper-selenium-zinc oxide nanoparticles (Tri-CSZ NPs) were successfully mycosynthesized using Aspergillus niger for the first time. The physiochemical and topographical analysis confirmed the biosynthesis of Tri-CSZ NPs and their promising antifungal activity against mucormycosis-causing fungi.
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Paulina Wisniewska, Jozef Haponiuk, Mohammad Reza Saeb, Navid Rabiee, Sidi A. Bencherif
Summary: Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are a new class of crystalline porous materials comprising metal ions and organic linkers. They have high porosity and large surface area, making them attractive for various applications. However, assessing and optimizing their properties in biological systems is crucial for their clinical translation.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Mohamed S. Hasanin, Amr H. Hashem, Abdulaziz A. Al-Askar, Jozef Haponiuk, Ebrahim Saied
Summary: In this study, a novel nanocomposite based on mycosynthesized bimetallic zinc-copper oxides nanoparticles, nanocellulose, and chitosan was prepared through an ecofriendly method. The nanocomposite exhibited antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, as well as potential antifungal activity against Aspergillus brasiliensis and photocatalytic activity. The results suggest that this nanocomposite has important application potential.
ELECTRONIC JOURNAL OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Davide Sangaletti, Luca Ceseracciu, Lara Marini, Athanassia Athanassiou, Arkadiusz Zych
Summary: In recent decades, fiber-reinforced polymer composites (FRPC) have experienced significant growth. However, FRPC made of epoxy resins cannot be easily recycled due to the permanently cross-linked structure. To meet the increasing market demand, a recyclable and environmentally friendly vitrimer resin was developed from epoxidized linseed oil and a boronic ester cross-linker. Carbon fiber reinforced composites with similar mechanical performance to conventional epoxy resin composites were obtained using this vitrimer resin as a matrix. Moreover, these composites could be conveniently recycled under mild conditions through reversible hydrolysis of the boronic ester crosslinks.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2023)
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Tomy Muringayil Joseph, Aparna Beena Unni, K. S. Joshy, Debarshi Kar Mahapatra, Jozef Haponiuk, Sabu Thomas
Summary: With the increasing global demand for green chemicals, the bio-based polymer market is expected to expand significantly in the future. The synthesis of functional polymers has been a growing area of research for many years. The development of bio-based polymers has been primarily driven by their compostability and biodegradability, which are important due to concerns about waste. Advancements in refining biomass raw materials have led to the creation of bio-based construction materials and products, while limitations in polymer control and stability hinder the development of biocompatible and versatile polymers. The article comprehensively discusses the current strategies, market dynamics, and research trends of emerging bio-based polymers, as well as recent scientific breakthroughs.
C-JOURNAL OF CARBON RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Akhila Nair, Kanagaraj Kuppusamy, Senthilkumar Nangan, Thirumalaivasan Natesan, Jozef T. Haponiuk, Sabu Thomas, Ramasamy Ramasubburayan, Lalitha Gnanasekaran, Manickam Selvaraj, Sreeraj Gopi
Summary: Natural carbon dots are significant in various fields due to their easy synthesis and unique properties. In this study, three types of NCQDs were prepared and optimized from Withania somnifera plant. The introduction of nitrogen through ammonia and ethylenediamine improved the fluorescence quantum yield of NCQDs and showed potential in inhibiting Covid-19.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)