Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Cheng Cao, Lin Zhang, Ben Kent, Sandy Wong, Christopher J. Garvey, Martina H. Stenzel
Summary: The formation of a non-specific protein corona around nanoparticles has been identified as a factor in the failure of nanomedicine. When proteins adsorb onto nanoparticles, they can cause deformation, affecting blood circulation and cell uptake.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Alexander Banger, Julian Sindram, Marius Otten, Jessica Kania, Dimitri Wilms, Alexander Strzelczyk, Sean Miletic, Thomas C. Marlovits, Matthias Karg, Laura Hartmann
Summary: In this study, amphiphilic glycomacromolecules (APGs) were synthesized using solid-phase polymer synthesis, allowing for precise control over the composition and structure. The self-assembly behavior of APGs was characterized using spectroscopic and scattering techniques, revealing structural dependencies and the potential for applications in inhibiting bacterial adhesion. The polymerizable units within the APGs also enabled the fixation of self-assembled structures, further enhancing their biomedical application potential.
Article
Polymer Science
Wanda Celentano, Stefania Ordanini, Riccardo Bruni, Luca Marocco, Pietro Medaglia, Andrea Rossi, Stefano Buzzaccaro, Francesco Cellesi
Summary: Well-defined amphiphilic PCL-PEG copolymers with complex molecular architectures were synthesized using ROP and ATRP. These copolymers were used to produce self-assembled nanoparticles for drug encapsulation, with the ability to tune self-assembly, particle size, and drug loading by designing specific macromolecular architectures.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Kil Ho Lee, Megan Ireland, Brandon L. Miller, Barbara E. Wyslouzil, Jessica O. Winter
Summary: This paper investigates whether electrospray via interfacial instability self-assembly method can produce high-quality nanocomposites made of block co-polymers and organic nanoparticles. The findings show that surfactant-free approaches may increase encapsulation efficiency, product uniformity, and simplify downstream product purification processes.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Vidhi Jain, Vashishtha B. Patel, Beena Singh, Dharmesh Varade
Summary: Microfluidics is a promising field with wide applications, providing fine control over particle size and speed in micro- and nanoscale self-assembled systems. It is a powerful tool for controlling physical and chemical properties of fluids and governing self-assembly processes, with potential impacts in various industries.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Zhicheng Pan, Guangxuan Yang, Jian Liu, Jinfeng Yuan, Mingwang Pan, Jiehua Li, Hong Tan
Summary: This study investigates the effect of negative charges in the polymer chains on the properties of cationic surfactant Gemini quaternary ammonium (GQA) in polymer micelles. It is found that interchain electrostatic interaction undermines the function of GQA and hinders the self-assembly and stabilization of polyurethane micelles. By regulating the ratio of oppositely charged moieties, micelles exhibit tunable biological properties. The study provides rational guidance for the design and fabrication of GQA polymer micelles.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Lakshmi Priya Datta
Summary: Careful design can integrate chemical enrichment, stimuli responsiveness, and targeted delivery within compartmentalized models to enhance therapeutic efficacy.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Kaiyuan Liang, Guohao He, Qimeng Wang, Zhiying Xie, Mingming Li, Xin Li, Haizhou Yu, Xiaoyan Qiu
Summary: Through self-assembly experiments, it was found that PS-b-P2VP-b-PEO with different molecular weights can form segmented wormlike nanostructures of different sizes, and the stirring rate affects their dimensions. These nanostructures can gradually disassemble as the temperature increases, but can reassemble after cooling while maintaining structural stability.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhengqing Guo, Hui He, Yi Zhang, Jiaming Rao, Tao Yang, Ting Li, Lu Wang, Mengke Shi, Mengya Wang, Shihong Qiu, Xue Song, Hengte Ke, Huabing Chen
Summary: This study demonstrates the use of self-assembled micellar nanoarchitecture for potent phototherapy against triple-negative breast cancer, showing efficient suppression against primary, metastatic, and recurrent TNBC through tunable photoconversion and cytoplasmic translocation.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Alexander Zika, Mohit Agarwal, Ralf Schweins, Franziska Groehn
Summary: Quadruple-switchable nanoscale assemblies are created by combining two types of water-soluble molecular photoswitches, allowing activation through irradiation with two different wavelengths.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2023)
Review
Polymer Science
Christian Hils, Ian Manners, Judith Schobel, Holger Schmalz
Summary: Crystallization-driven self-assembly is a powerful method for producing one- and two-dimensional micellar assemblies with controlled length, shape, and corona chemistries, with potential applications in various fields. Patchy micelles with crystalline cores offer advantages in terms of interfacial activity, functionalization, and confinement effects due to their unique corona segmentation structure.
Article
Polymer Science
Xi Zhao, Guoxiang Wang, Yong Gao, Chong Cheng
Summary: This study demonstrated a robust method for the efficient preparation of mixed shell polymer nanoparticles (MSPNs) with various morphologies using polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA) of Y-shaped ABC miktoarm star copolymers. PCL-TTC-PMMA copolymers containing a trithiocarbonate (TTC) group were synthesized and used as macromolecular chain transfer agents (CTAs) and stabilizers to mediate reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) dispersion polymerization. The factors influencing the morphologies of MSPNs during PISA were investigated, and their different PISA behaviors compared to linear PMMA-TTC were unraveled.
Article
Polymer Science
Laihui Xiao, Sam J. Parkinson, Tianlai Xia, Phillippa Edge, Rachel K. O'Reilly
Summary: Anisotropic materials have potential applications in various fields, but the current method of platelet preparation is inefficient. To address this, this study demonstrates the use of continuous flow reactors to improve the production of size-controllable platelets with improved size and dispersity.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Amrita Sikder, Cem Esen, Rachel K. O'Reilly
Summary: This Account summarizes recent examples that employ nucleobase interactions to generate functional biomaterials by judicious design of the building blocks. Different strategies to employ nucleobase interactions in polymeric systems in order to achieve self-assembled nanomaterials with versatile properties are discussed. Moreover, the potential biological/material applications of complementary nucleobase interactions, such as enhanced drug encapsulation, superior adhesion, and fast self-healing properties, are emphasized. Issues and challenges faced by this class of materials are identified and future directions for the exploration of functional materials are proposed to advance the development of nucleobase-functionalized systems for biomaterial design.
ACCOUNTS OF CHEMICAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Xiufang Ding, Yue Wang, Sida Zhang, Ruihua Zhang, Dong Chen, Long Chen, Yu Zhang, Shi-Zhong Luo, Jianfu Xu, Chengxin Pei
Summary: Chronic pain is a widespread health problem. Peptide drugs that block N-type Ca2+ channels, like omega-conotoxin MVIIA, have been used to alleviate chronic pain. However, the limited therapeutic window, severe side effects, and instability of MVIIA restrict its use. This study modified MVIIA to make it self-assemble into micelles, which prolonged the analgesic effect and reduced side effects in mice.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Katherine Gonzalez, Gauri Gangapurwala, Julien Alex, Antje Vollrath, Zoltan Cseresnyes, Christine Weber, Justyna A. Czaplewska, Stephanie Hoeppener, Carl-Magnus Svensson, Thomas Orasch, Thorsten Heinekamp, Carlos Guerrero-Sanchez, Marc Thilo Figge, Ulrich S. Schubert, Axel A. Brakhage
Summary: The study investigated whether polymeric particles (PPs) can reach Aspergillus fumigatus conidia-containing phagolysosomes in macrophages. The results showed that PPs were efficiently taken up by macrophages and co-localized with conidia in the same phagolysosomes. Fusion of phagolysosomes containing PPs with phagolysosomes containing conidia was observed. This suggests that PPs can be used as a carrier system to target intracellular pathogens.
APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Franziska Hausig-Punke, Gregor Dekevic, Fabian H. Sobotta, Jana I. Solomun, Friederike Richter, Denise Salzig, Anja Traeger, Johannes C. Brendel
Summary: Cationic pH-responsive polymers show promise in cellular delivery by selectively being charged along the endosomal pathway to avoid unintended interactions or cytotoxic side effects. Polypiperazines, a novel hydrophilic class of pH-responsive polymers, effectively bind plasmid DNA (pDNA) and demonstrate high transfection efficiency. Isopropyl modified polypiperazine outperforms linear polyethylenimine (l-PEI) in regions of low N*/P ratios, and the pDNA within piperazine-based polyplexes can be amplified, suggesting different binding mechanisms compared to other transfection polymers. Polypiperazines represent a promising platform for designing effective soluble polymeric vectors that are charge-neutral at physiological conditions, with potential for further optimization.
MACROMOLECULAR BIOSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhuo Xu, Jose Prince Madalaimuthu, Josef Bernd Slowik, Rico Meitzner, Aman Anand, Shahidul Alam, Hector Corte, Steffi Stumpf, Ulrich S. S. Schubert, Harald Hoppe
Summary: Solution-processed PBDTTT-C-T:PC71BM-based organic solar cells with a blend of organic-inorganic ETLs, including conjugated PDINO molecules and sol-gel derived TiOx, show improved performance compared to cells with a single ETL. The blend ETL reduces bimolecular recombination and trap-assisted recombination, leading to increased efficiency. The integration of compatible organic and inorganic interface materials for simultaneous enhancement of device efficiency and lifetime has potential significance for commercial development of organic solar cells.
ADVANCED MATERIALS INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Binson Babu, Christof Neumann, Simon Muench, Marcel Enke, Lukas Medenbach, Christian Leibing, Alexandra Lex-Balducci, Andrey Turchanin, Ulrich S. Schubert, Andrea Balducci
Summary: In this work, a new diglyme-based gel-polymer electrolyte (DOKBn-GPE) suitable for potassium-ion capacitors (KIC) is reported. The gel polymer electrolyte shows good mechanical stability, high ionic conductivity (2.84 mS cm-1 at 20 degrees C), and broad electrochemical stability (> 5.0 V). By using this electrolyte in KIC, devices with high energy density and stability during prolonged charge-discharge and float tests can be achieved. These results indicate that the development of diglyme-based gel-polymer electrolytes is a promising strategy for high-performance K-based energy storage devices.
ENERGY STORAGE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ivan A. Volodin, Christian Stolze, Oliver Nolte, Philip Rohland, Martin D. Hager, Ulrich S. Schubert
Summary: An increasing number of redox-active substances with improved electrochemical stability is being studied for potential applications in redox flow batteries. This study compares two recently established stability assessment techniques and evaluates their accuracy in measuring the capacity fade rate of a specific redox species. The results show that both techniques have high standard deviations and may not provide accurate measurements for highly stable redox couples.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Thomas Baeatz, Ilya Anufriev, Chiao-Hsuan Pai, Timo Schuett, Ivo Nischang, Stefan Zechel, Martin D. Hager, Yi-Tsu Chan, Ulrich S. Schubert
Summary: Miktoarm star polymers are a type of branched polymers with a star-shaped architecture based on different assembly properties. The synthesis of these polymers can be challenging, especially when using covalent strategies to link different polymers. This study presents an approach using orthogonal metal-ligand interactions to connect the building blocks and create miktoarm topology. The structures obtained are investigated using diffusion-ordered nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, analytical ultracentrifugation, and dynamic light scattering.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2023)
Correction
Polymer Science
Lisa Ehrlich, Doris Pospiech, Upenyu L. Muza, Albena Lederer, Julia Muche, Dieter Fischer, Petra Uhlmann, Felix Tzschoeckell, Simon Muench, Martin D. D. Hager, Ulrich S. S. Schubert
MACROMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Thomas Orasch, Gauri Gangapurwala, Antje Vollrath, Katherine Gonzalez, Julien Alex, Alicia De San Luis, Christine Weber, Stephanie Hoeppener, Zoltan Cseresnyes, Marc Thilo Figge, Carlos Guerrero-Sanchez, Ulrich S. Schubert, Axel A. Brakhage
Summary: The treatment of life-threatening fungal infections is currently limited and in urgent need of improvement. This study explores the use of polymeric particles for efficient delivery of antifungal compounds to fungal cells. The particles, made of biocompatible polymers, were able to transport hydrophobic cargos into fungal cells and reduce the minimal inhibitory concentration of the encapsulated drug. This research provides insights into improving the delivery of antifungal compounds for more effective treatment.
BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Peipei Zuo, Chunchun Ye, Zhongren Jiao, Jian Luo, Junkai Fang, Ulrich S. Schubert, Neil B. McKeown, T. Leo Liu, Zhengjin Yang, Tongwen Xu
Summary: The development of efficient ion-transport membranes is crucial for improving separation processes and electrochemical technologies. We have designed synthetic membranes with covalently bonded polymer frameworks that achieve near-frictionless ion flow through rigidly confined ion channels. These membranes have the potential to greatly enhance the performance of electrochemical devices and molecular separation.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jan Matthias Peschel, Lien Sabrina Reichel, Tim Hoffmann, Christoph Enzensperger, Ulrich Sigmar Schubert, Anja Traeger, Michael Gottschaldt
Summary: This article introduces a modified branched poly(ethylene imine) (bPEI) that is enhanced with d-fructose to improve biocompatibility and target breast cancer cells through the overexpressed GLUT5 transporter. Several fructose-substituted bPEI polymers with varying molecular weights, degrees of substitution, and linker positions are synthesized and characterized. In vitro experiments show reduced cytotoxicity, specific uptake of siRNA polyplexes, and targeted knockdown of GFP in triple-negative breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231) compared to noncancer cells (HEK293T) after fructose functionalization of 10 kDa bPEI.
MACROMOLECULAR BIOSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Robin Kampes, Alexander Kleine, Silas Langstein, Stefan Zechel, Martin D. Hager, Ulrich S. Schubert
Summary: This study presents the synthesis and characterization of a clickable iridium(III) complex as a halogen bond-based anion sensor. The functionalization with a polymer, exemplified by poly(ethylene glycol) azide attachment via copper-click-reaction, is demonstrated. The polymeric XB donor complex is extensively characterized and its strong anion complexation capabilities are shown through emission titrations. These findings highlight the potential of using polymeric substituents on the iridium complex to tune its properties or incorporate other functions such as cation complexation sites to exploit cooperative effects.
MACROMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Maryam Moradi, Isabelle Staude, Thomas Pertsch, Michael Jaeger, Ulrich S. Schubert
Summary: By utilizing a spin-coating-based sample fabrication procedure, we developed a gold-quantum dot hybrid system that exhibited reversible photoluminescence switching in response to redox processes. The system relied on a nanometric thick polymer spacer layer that was redox-responsive, enabling attachment of the quantum dots to a gold film. The study demonstrated a reversible and reproducible 2.3 ± 0.6-fold photoluminescence intensity switching factor upon oxidation and reduction of the spacer layer.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Victor D. Lechuga-Islas, Dulce M. M. Sanchez-Cerrillo, Steffi Stumpf, Ramiro Guerrero-Santos, Ulrich S. S. Schubert, Carlos Guerrero-Sanchez
Summary: Inspired by the versatility of functional polymer materials, we developed a family of polymer catalysts that combine efficient catalytic groups with stimuli-responsive properties. By modulating the anion exchange in polymers, we were able to control the physical properties and achieve reversible thermal transitions. These polymer catalysts demonstrated high conversion and selectivity in the depolymerization of post-consumer PET, and their thermo-responsive properties allowed for catalyst recovery and reuse.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Mira Behnke, Paul Klemm, Philipp Dahlke, Blerina Shkodra, Baerbel Beringer-Siemers, Justyna Anna Czaplewska, Steffi Stumpf, Paul M. Jordan, Stephanie Schubert, Stephanie Hoeppener, Antje Vollrath, Oliver Werz, Ulrich S. Schubert
Summary: Dextran-based polymers, specifically ethoxy acetalated dextran (Ace-DEX), show potential as drug delivery vehicles due to their easy synthesis, straightforward particle preparation, and pH-dependent degradation. This study compares Ace-DEX with the FDA-approved polymer poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and finds that Ace-DEX has the potential to outperform PLGA in terms of encapsulation properties. Three different methods were used to prepare BRP-187-loaded Ace-DEX nanoparticles and evaluate their physicochemical properties.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS-X
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Johannes Schenk, Desiree Leistenschneider, Stephanie Hoeppener, Ulrich S. Schubert, Konstantin Schutjajew, Martin Oschatz
Summary: This study investigates the fundamental processes in hybrid ion capacitors using carbon blacks and demonstrates the impact of minor structural differences on electrochemical behavior. The results show that post-treated carbon blacks suffer from diffusion limitations in sodium-ion capacitors due to smaller graphene interlayer distances, while in lithium-ion capacitors, diffusion is not hindered, indicating other factors like electric conductivity may limit the performance.
SUSTAINABLE ENERGY & FUELS
(2023)
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.