Article
Polymer Science
Konstans Ruseva, Katerina Todorova, Tanya Zhivkova, Rositsa Milcheva, Dimitar Ivanov, Petar Dimitrov, Radostina Alexandrova, Elena Vassileva
Summary: The study presents the synthesis and characterization of a novel triple stimuli responsive interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) based on two polyzwitterionic networks. The IPN hydrogel can expand or shrink in response to changes in temperature, pH, and salt concentration. It has good mechanical stability and exhibits non-cytotoxicity and antibiofouling activity against various bacteria. The in vivo behavior suggests that this smart material has great potential as a biomaterial.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yueh-Han Huang, Meng-Jiy Wang, Tai-Shung Chung
Summary: In this study, a facile layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly method was utilized to prepare zwitterionic Janus membranes for wetting and fouling resistant membrane distillation applications. The results showed that the special structure of the polymer, the polyelectrolyte multilayers, and the capillary force played key roles in relieving the membranes from wetting and fouling.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Jing Zhang, Sunxiang Qian, Lingdong Chen, Liqun Chen, Liping Zhao, Jie Feng
Summary: A newly developed double network hydrogel based on SBMA and SA exhibits excellent mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and antifouling properties, making it a promising candidate for biomedical applications. The hybrid crosslinked structure of the DN hydrogel provides it with unique characteristics suitable for artificial connective tissues, implantable devices, and underwater equipment.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yi-Jie Jiang, Jiiang-Huei Jeng, Pin-Hsuan Wu, Hsiu-Wen Chien
Summary: This study focuses on the preparation of stretchable zwitterionic poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate) (PSBMA) hydrogels. A physical crosslinking method utilizing hydrophobic interactions is developed to improve the mechanical properties of the hydrogels. The PSBMA(phy) hydrogels exhibit greater flexibility, self-healing properties, and adhesive properties compared to the PSBMA(chem) hydrogels.
MACROMOLECULAR BIOSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Svetlana Laishevkina, Yulia Skurkis, Natalia Shevchenko
Summary: This study reports the synthesis and characterization of interconnected macroporous network structures of poly(sulfopropyl methacrylate) or poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate) under cryogenic conditions. By adding comonomers and a crosslinking agent, gels with improved mechanical properties were successfully synthesized. The morphology, specific surface area, and mechanical properties of the freeze-dried gels were dependent on the initial freezing temperature and the nature of the functional comonomers in the polymerization mixture. The copolymer-based gels showed better swelling behavior compared to chemically crosslinked gels.
JOURNAL OF SOL-GEL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Aydin Guelses, Antonia Lopar, Martha Es-Souni, Marie Emmert, Mona Es-Souni, Eleonore Behrens, Hendrik Naujokat, Kim Rouven Liedtke, Yahya Acil, Joerg Wiltfang, Christian Floerke
Summary: The study evaluates the antifouling properties of pSBMA coatings by applying them on titanium surfaces, showing promising efficiency against Enterococcus faecalis adhesion. Coating titanium surfaces with pSBMA through photopolymerization may be a promising antiadhesion strategy.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Qian Zhang, Malcolm A. Kelland, Evan M. Lewoczko, Caleb A. Bohannon, Bin Zhao
Summary: The use of zwitterionic polymers as kinetic hydrate inhibitors (KHIs) in gas and oil industry has shown promising results, with the key performance parameter being the length of the alkyl chain on the monomer unit side chains. Copolymers of the zwitterionic monomers and NIPMAM exhibit better increase in KHI performance with increasing concentration, suggesting the importance of strong hydrogen-bonding groups for high KHI performance.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Tomasz Urbaniak, Pawel Piszko, Dana Kubies, Zuzanna Podgorniak, Ognen Pop-Georgievski, Tomas Riedel, Konrad Szustakiewicz, Witold Musial
Summary: This study investigated the deposition process of polyelectrolyte multilayer (LbL) protein reservoirs and their potential applications in tissue engineering and tissue-mimicking materials. The results showed that PLL/HA multilayer films had excellent deposition ability of bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2), making them promising for osteoregenerative applications. The concentration of HA solution used for film assembly did not affect the film thickness and morphology, but had an impact on the hydrophilicity of the surface and the release kinetics of BMP-2.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS AND BIOPHARMACEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Hamza Mahmoud Aboelanin, Stepan Podzimek, Vladimir Spacek
Summary: This study focuses on the detailed characterization of the molecular structure and dilute solution properties of highly dense star-like polymers of poly(methyl methacrylate) and poly(n-butyl methacrylate). The comparison of refractive index increment with corresponding linear homopolymers was conducted. The prepared polymers were characterized using size exclusion chromatography, multi-angle light scattering detector, and online viscometer. The obtained data allowed for the determination of arm distribution, average number of arms per molecule, and molar mass dependency of the draining factor. The relation between the number of arms per molecule and molar mass was estimated and compared with true values.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Maogen Zhu, Zhechen Fan, Kangli Xu, Yuting Fang, Wei Sun, Yongchun Zhu
Summary: Research shows that the stability and cycling performance of lithium-metal batteries can be improved by fabricating an oxygen-resistant and self-eliminating passivated layer. This passivated layer, constructed through a Wurtz-type reaction, effectively prevents corrosion and dendritic growth of Li metal in the battery. Additionally, it consists of LiCl and Poly(dimethylsilylene) phases, providing good Li+ transport and self-elimination of undesirable by-products.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Denitsa Nikolova, Christo Tzachev, Lachezar Christov, Elena Vassileva
Summary: The study presents the development of novel hydrogels for the delivery of timolol maleate (TM) in contact lenses. The copolymer networks showed different swelling kinetics depending on the composition, with VP hydrophilicity and SB physical network playing important roles. The loading efficiency of TM slightly increased with an increase in VP monomeric units, while the release of TM was prolonged with an increase in SB monomeric units. The transparency of the hydrogels was also studied, showing their potential as materials for soft contact lenses.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Fulya Taktak, Ayse Pinar Turgut Yigen
Summary: Co-administration of two or more drugs has been shown to be a viable option for treating diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. Different kinetic models were studied to fit single and combined drug release kinetics.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR STRUCTURE
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Olga Sojka, Henny C. C. van der Mei, Patrick van Rijn, Maria Cristina Gagliano
Summary: The presence of biofilms in drinking water distribution systems can cause operational and maintenance issues. In this study, a poly (sulfobetaine methacrylate) (P(SBMA))-based hydrogel coating was proposed as a control strategy for biofilms. The coating effectively reduced bacterial adhesion, indicating its potential as a localized biofilm control strategy in the distribution systems.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shuwang Wu, Zhenyu Liang, Yupeng Li, Sarah Chay, Zhiyuan He, Sicong Tan, Jianjun Wang, Xinyuan Zhu, Ximin He
Summary: Transparent, photothermic, and icephobic composite surfaces are developed with high transparency, photothermal capabilities, and resistance to frosting and ice adhesion.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Jieyu Zhu, Haiqin Tang, Shunhua Wang, Yuan Zong, Qinyue Dai, Hongkun Wu, Kunneng Liang, Jiaojiao Yang
Summary: Current implant systems lack the ability to prevent infections and promote osseointegration, which is crucial for reducing implant failure. This study developed a mussel-inspired layer-by-layer self-assembly platform for implant modification using tannic acid, osteoanabolic drug, and antibacterial agents. The modified implant showed excellent antibacterial properties and significant osteogenic induction ability, offering potential clinical prospects for improving osseointegration after implantation.
MATERIALS & DESIGN
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hong-Qing Liang, Torsten Beweries, Robert Francke, Matthias Beller
Summary: The conversion of CO2 into multicarbon compounds offers the possibility to create carbon-neutral fuels or other valuable products. So far, most studies have focused on heterogeneous metallic catalysts, but the potential of molecular catalysts is still underexplored. This Minireview summarizes recent progress in the thermo- and electrochemical reductive homocoupling of CO2 mediated by molecular catalysts and discusses the use of CO homocoupling as a model for further conversion of intermediates obtained from CO2 reduction.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Ting Shen, Hongxi Zeng, Zhiwei Chen, Shu-Rui Zhao, Hao-Cheng Yang, Weihua Li
Summary: In this study, a thermoreversible epoxy coating was developed by regulating the curing program, which exhibited a reversible solid-liquid transition during the heating-cooling cycle. Furthermore, a photothermal coating was fabricated by embedding carbon nanoparticles, enabling in situ repairing by near-infrared laser irradiation.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Zhao-Yu Ma, Yu-Ren Xue, Hao-Cheng Yang, Jian Wu, Zhi-Kang Xu
Summary: Surface and interface engineering plays a crucial role in tailoring the structures and properties of polymer membranes for sustainable development. This Perspective provides an overview of both conventional and emerging strategies in membrane surface engineering and discusses current trends in surface and interface engineering for porous and thin-film composite membranes, including the evolution from uniform functionalization to asymmetric performance construction and the regulation of interfacial polymerization.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hua-Li Wang, Yi-Xin Wang, Ze-Hui Liang, Hao-Cheng Yang, Zhi-Kang Xu
Summary: This study proposes a facile method to fabricate polyurethane-based slippery ionic-liquid-infused coatings through a phase separation process. The coatings exhibit excellent anti-bacterial and anti-icing properties.
ADVANCED MATERIALS INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yi-Xin Wang, Cheng-Ye Zhu, Jingliang Huang, Hao-Cheng Yang, Zhi-Kang Xu
Summary: This study fabricated a series of TFC nanofiltration membranes through a contra-diffusion process based on the cross-linking of metal ions and alginate. The Cu2+/alginate composite membrane showed superior nanofiltration performance with high rejection and excellent anti-fouling properties. The effects of alginate concentration and diffusion time on membrane performance were investigated to achieve optimal fabrication conditions.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Siqi Zhao, Hong-Qing Liang, Xin-Ming Hu, Simin Li, Kim Daasbjerg
Summary: This review summarizes recent progress in converting CO2 to formaldehyde using various methods and discusses the advantages and limitations of different strategies.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yi-Xin Wang, Cheng-Ye Zhu, Feng Lu, Zi-Feng Yu, Hao-Cheng Yang, Ming Xue, Zhi-Kang Xu
Summary: Thin-film-composite (TFC) nanofiltration membranes have diverse applications in environment remediation and industrial separation. Aqueous fabrication of TFC membranes, as a green and sustainable process, remains challenging to achieve a defect-free and ultrathin film. This study successfully fabricated Fe3+/tannic acid (TA) TFC membranes using the contra-diffusion process, and investigated the effects of fabrication parameters on membrane microstructure and performance. The as-prepared membranes displayed superior nanofiltration performance compared to other Fe3+/TA-based membranes.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Ran Deng, Xu-Ze Xia, Jian-Chen Han, Qing-Yun Wu, Hao-Cheng Yang
Summary: In this work, a novel siphon-driven interfacial photocatalytic reactor based on beta-FeOOH-coated fabrics was proposed for the continuous treatment of wastewater with high efficiency. The reactor utilizes gravity-driven liquid flow and can be adjusted by structural parameters to match the reaction rate. The confined capillary flow ensures sufficient contact between the feed and catalysts, as well as sufficient sunlight utilization, leading to high degradation efficiency.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Siqi Zhao, Oliver Christensen, Zhaozong Sun, Hongqing Liang, Alexander Bagger, Kristian Torbensen, Pegah Nazari, Jeppe Vang Lauritsen, Steen Uttrup Pedersen, Jan Rossmeisl, Kim Daasbjerg
Summary: This study investigates how the activity and selectivity of Cu electrodes for CO2 reduction can be adjusted by using organic films with different porosity and thickness. The films increase the local CO partial pressures and surface coverages. Copper catalysts have the potential to produce multicarbon compounds in the electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction reaction. Instead of conventional alloying with other elements, copper can be modified with organic molecules to control product distribution. The study reveals that the thickness and porosity of the films have a significant impact on carbon dioxide reduction, leading to an enhancement in current density and selectivity towards multicarbon products.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hao-Cheng Yang, Feng Lu, Hao-Nan Li, Chao Zhang, Seth B. Darling, Zhi-Kang Xu
Summary: Solar-driven evaporation process has great potentials to recover clean water and resources sustainably from various sources. This review focuses on the unique roles of membranes in solar evaporator construction and design, discussing the design principles of membrane materials and devices for different processes. Photothermal membranes fabrication strategies are introduced and the pursuit of optimal performance and advanced functions are discussed. The future of this field, including challenges and opportunities, is also forecasted.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
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
Engineering, Chemical
Jin-Bo Li, Cheng-Ye Zhu, Bian-Bian Guo, Chang Liu, Chao Zhang, Jian Wu, Lin Zhang, Hao-Cheng Yang, Zhi-Kang Xu
Summary: Synthesizing ultrathin polyamide nanofilms through glycerol-regulated interfacial polymerization (IP) at the hexane-water/glycerol interface enables large-scale synthesis, defect-free transfer, and seamless compositing. The nanofilms exhibit ultrafast and robust nanofiltration performance when integrated using a facile and universal transfer printing method. The resulting sub-5 nm polyamide composite membrane demonstrates extraordinary water permeance and salt rejection, making it highly promising for practical separation scenarios.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Kai Li, Hao-Nan Li, Yu-Ren Xue, Hao-Cheng Yang, Chao Zhang, Zhi-Kang Xu
Summary: This study develops a photothermal Janus fabric that enables directional sweat-wicking and enhanced evaporation rate, suitable for high sweating rates during vigorous exercise. The fabric also helps maintain skin temperature within the normal range and exhibits excellent washing durability, ensuring prolonged performance and safety.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jia-Hui Xin, Hong-Yu Fan, Bian-Bian Guo, Hao-Cheng Yang, Cheng-Ye Zhu, Chao Zhang, Zhi-Kang Xu
Summary: This review summarizes recent advances in tailoring interfacial polymerization using interfaces beyond the conventional alkane-water interface to achieve high-performance separation films with designed structures. Diverse liquid-liquid interfaces are introduced for synthesizing separation films by adding co-solvents into the organic phase and/or the aqueous phase, respectively, or by replacing one of the liquid phases with other solvents. Innovative liquid-gel and liquid-gas interfaces are then summarized for the synthesis of polymer thin films for separation. Novel strategies to form reaction interfaces, such as spray-coating, are also presented and discussed. In addition, the review discusses the details of how a physically or chemically patterned substrate affects interfacial polymerization. Finally, the potential of unconventional interfaces in interfacial polymerization is forecast with both challenges and opportunities.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ran Deng, Feng Lu, Yu-Tang Li, Hao-Cheng Yang, Jun Huang
Summary: In response to the pressing global water crisis, researchers have been exploring alternative sources and technologies to address this issue. This study focuses on harvesting atmospheric water from humid air as a promising solution. The research presents a strategy to enhance the absorption and desorption dynamics of moisture by utilizing capillary transport and enlarged interfaces in a photothermal wood enhancer. The results show significant improvements in moisture absorption rate and desorption efficiency, making this approach a potential method for moisture harvesting.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2024)