Article
Environmental Sciences
Jiayan Wu, Quanyun Ye, Peiran Li, Leiye Sun, Minye Huang, Jieyu Liu, Zubair Ahmed, Pingxiao Wu
Summary: This study systematically investigated the heteroaggregation behavior between polystyrene nanoplastics (PSNPs) and goethite (FeOOH). It was found that surface functionalized PSNPs showed significantly faster heteroaggregation rate with FeOOH, while the increase in solution pH significantly inhibited heteroaggregation. The electrostatic force and chemical bonding were identified to play important roles in the heteroaggregation process. This work provides a theoretical basis for predicting the environmental behavior between PSNPs and FeOOH.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xin Nie, Xiaohui Xing, Ruiyin Xie, Jingxin Wang, Shuguang Yang, Quan Wan, Eddy Y. Zeng
Summary: In this study, the interactions between polystyrene nanoplastics (PSNPs) and minerals were investigated. It was found that positively charged iron/aluminum (hydr)oxide minerals can form heteroaggregates with negatively charged PSNPs, while the heteroaggregation between PSNPs and negatively charged clay minerals was negligible. Humic acid was found to suppress the heteroaggregation between PSNPs and minerals. The results suggest that minerals, solution pH, humic acid, and ionic strength can strongly affect the heteroaggregation of PSNPs in the environment.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zijiao Meng, Remi Recoura-Massaquant, Arnaud Chaumot, Serge Stoll, Wei Liu
Summary: The toxicity of nanoplastics in aquatic systems is influenced by nanoplastics' surface properties, environmental media characteristics, and species ecological traits. Smaller-sized nanoplastics exhibit higher toxicity compared to larger-sized nanoplastics. The toxicity of nanoplastics is higher in mineral water compared to lake water. The surface charge and aggregation behavior of nanoplastics have the most significant impact on their toxicity to different species.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Jee-Hong Lee, Hak Lae Lee
Summary: This study developed a novel method using the SAICAS instrument to evaluate the mechanical properties of coating layers without special sample preparation. The spreading of latex binder and chemical composition of S/B latex were found to have significant impacts on the final properties of the coating layer, such as peel strength and gloss.
PROGRESS IN ORGANIC COATINGS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Katalin Bere, Xiong Xiong, Szilard Saringer, Grant Douglas, Istvan Szilagyi
Summary: The study investigates the possible interactions between microplastic particles (MPP) and another emerging contaminant, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and their potential effects on the environment. The study finds that the adsorption of an alternative PFAS, undecafluorohexanoic acid (UFHA), on MPP leads to charge neutralization and overcharging at higher UFHA concentrations. The presence of UFHA influences the aggregation and dispersion of MPP, and the addition of multivalent ions further affects these behaviors. The study provides new insights into the interactions between PFAS and MPP and their implications for contaminant migration in aqueous environments.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Zichen Wang, Xuguang Xing, Mengzhu Xue, Sai Bai, Peiyao Li, Chang Li, Tianjiao Xia
Summary: This study comprehensively investigated the heteroaggregation behavior and mechanism of polystyrene nanoplastics with hematite nanoparticles. The primary heteroaggregation was driven by electrostatic attraction, while the secondary heteroaggregation was driven by interactions between the agglomerates. Aquatic environmental factors, such as the presence of natural organic matter, had a significant impact on the heteroaggregation processes.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES A-PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND ENGINEERING ASPECTS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Juan Fernandez de la Mora, Steven Papanu
Summary: We have used improved PSL particle synthesis methods and high-resolution DMAs to successfully synthesize similar to 200 nm PSL spheres with unusually narrow mobility distributions, achieving FWHM as small as 1/60. We have also synthesized and analyzed PSL particles with diameters of about 300 nm, reaching FWHM as small as 1/80, comparable to the narrowest mobility peaks observed in viral particles studied with high-resolution DMAs. The electrosprayed 300 nm particles produced two distinguishable peaks, with the least mobile one being an artifact of the electrospraying or charge reduction process. Future improvements in PSL synthesis are expected to yield particles with mobility peaks having FWHM as small as 1/100.
JOURNAL OF AEROSOL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rimadani Pratiwi, Syifa Amanda, Aliya Nur Hasanah
Summary: Pigment red 53 is a banned synthetic dye in cosmetics due to health concerns. Indicator strips made of a mixture of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) and polystyrene (PS) with specific reagents can detect the presence of pigment red 53. The indicator strips offer a simple and applicable method with good performance.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Lin Lu, Huimin Duan, Jiawei Li, Dongming Qi
Summary: This study investigates the impact of cross-linking degree on the film formation behavior and performance of binder-free pigment printing on fabric using fluorosilicone-modified polyacrylate/pigment hybrid latexes. The results show that the cross-linking degree plays a crucial role in chain diffusion, latex particle packing, and formation of hybrid films during drying. Furthermore, the cross-linking degree affects the morphology of the printed polyester fiber and improves the softness and air-permeability of the printed fabric.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Doora Takacs, Tamas Szabo, Andrej Jamnik, Matija Tomsic, Istvan Szilagyi
Summary: In this study, the homoaggregation of polystyrene microplastics (MPs) and heteroaggregation of MPs with anionic clay minerals (Layered Double Hydroxide, LDH) in different salt solutions were investigated. The stability of particles was affected by the type and ionic strength of the salt, and the interaction between MPs and LDH can be explained by DLVO theory. The adsorption of LDH resulted in neutralization and reversal of MPs surface charge, leading to rapid aggregation.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Huijun Ma, Yuai Hua, Zhaosheng Hou, Feng Gao, Xiao Zhang, Mingxia Shao, Tiange Ma, Mingxia Liu, Tianduo Li, Jing Xu
Summary: The study investigated the effects of droplet size and reaction time on the adsorption-reaction processes between gelatin and alpha-[3-(2,3-epoxypropoxy) propyl]-omega-butyl-polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS-E) emulsion droplets. It was found that physical adsorption or nucleophilic reaction between gelatin and PDMS-E emulsion droplets could be controlled by controlling the droplet size and reaction time. The soft tissue paper coated with large-size droplets demonstrated excellent resistance to water permeability and flame-resistant performance based on water resistance and flammability tests.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Duangkamol Promlok, Kritayakorn Sonongbua, Mutita Wilepsuwan, Teeraporn Suteewong, Pramuan Tangboriboonrat
Summary: This study developed non-collapse hollow natural rubber particles with well-defined void structure, which can be used as an eco-friendly white pigment/additive for coatings. The particles were prepared using seeded emulsion polymerization and the resulting particles showed enhanced strength and blocking ability.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Hideya Nakamura, Takumi Okamura, Masaya Tajima, Ryuji Kawano, Misa Yamaji, Shuji Ohsaki, Satoru Watano
Summary: This study investigated the effect of charged nanoparticles and a weak external electric field on the membrane crossing of a model compound. The results suggest that adding nanomaterials under a weak electric field can enhance the translocation of delivery compounds across the cell membrane.
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Zhenghui Shen, Araz Rajabi-Abhari, Kyudeok Oh, Sooyoung Lee, Jiachuan Chen, Ming He, Hak Lae Lee
Summary: The study found that adding polymer-stabilized latex (PS) as a cobinder can improve the optical properties and tensile strength of coated paper, forming coating layers with more porosity.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yuma Sasaki, Yuichiro Nishizawa, Takumi Watanabe, Takuma Kureha, Kazuya Uenishi, Kazuko Nakazono, Toshikazu Takata, Daisuke Suzuki
Summary: In this study, the fracture resistance of thin elastomer films made of acrylic nanoparticles was investigated. By introducing a small amount of a rotaxane crosslinker, the films showed improved tear resistance, with a change in the direction of crack propagation. These findings contribute to the design of environmentally friendly polymer nanoparticles for tough polymers.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Dongdong Lu, Mingning Zhu, Shanglin Wu, Qing Lian, Wenkai Wang, Daman Adlam, Judith A. Hoyland, Brian R. Saunders
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2020)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Qing Lian, Muhamad Z. Mokhtar, Dongdong Lu, Mingning Zhu, Janet Jacobs, Andrew B. Foster, Andrew G. Thomas, Ben F. Spencer, Shanglin Wu, Chen Liu, Nigel W. Hodson, Benjamin Smith, Abdulaziz Alkaltham, Osama M. Alkhudhari, Trystan Watson, Brian R. Saunders
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2020)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Amir H. Milani, Jennifer M. Saunders, Nam T. Nguyen, Shanglin Wu, Brian R. Saunders
Summary: The study demonstrates the potential of using sub-50 nm photoacid/base generator nanoparticles to selectively trigger swelling and positive charge production within host hydrogels, adding various functionalities and controlling the bending angle of monolayer actuators through mass fraction.
CHEMISTRY OF MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Amal Altujjar, Muhamad Z. Mokhtar, Qian Chen, Joseph Neilson, Ben F. Spencer, Andrew Thomas, Jennifer M. Saunders, Ran Wang, Osama Alkhudhari, Aleksandr Mironov, Brian R. Saunders
Summary: Additive engineering, utilizing carboxylic acid-functionalized nanogels as additives, significantly enhances the efficiency and stability of perovskite solar cells, showcasing potential as an attractive alternative to traditional additives for PSCs.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Mingning Zhu, Dongdong Lu, Amir H. Milani, Najet Mahmoudi, Stephen M. King, Brian R. Saunders
Summary: The study utilized small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) to investigate the structural changes of nanogels (NGs) in dispersion and gels at different pH conditions. Results showed that dispersed NGs have a core-shell structure, and NGs in PAAm gel exhibit consistent changes with increasing pH, as observed for dispersed NGs.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xuelian Wang, Daman J. Adlam, Ran Wang, Amal Altujjar, Zhenyu Jia, Jennifer M. Saunders, Judith A. Hoyland, Nischal Rai, Brian R. Saunders
Summary: Injectable hydrogels with moduli close to target tissues are promising for tissue augmentation. Preformed ultra-high molecular weight pH-responsive microgels (DX MGs) interlinked to form hydrogels offer a different approach. By replacing some pH-responsive polymer microgels (MGs) with hydrophilic non-ionic MGs, the mechanical properties of the composite DX MGs can be tuned to achieve gel moduli similar to human nucleus pulposus tissue. These injectable pH-responsive gels show low cytotoxicity and provide a potential system for minimally invasive intervertebral disk augmentation.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Muhamad Z. Mokhtar, Amal Altujjar, Bing Wang, Qian Chen, Jack Chun-Ren Ke, Rongsheng Cai, Nourdine Zibouche, Ben F. Spencer, Janet Jacobs, Andrew G. Thomas, David Hall, Sarah J. Haigh, David J. Lewis, Richard Curry, M. Saiful Islam, Brian R. Saunders
Summary: The contamination of water with lead from damaged perovskite solar cells can be addressed by using spherical hydroxyapatite nanoparticles to absorb lead and maintain lead concentration in water below safe drinking limits.
COMMUNICATIONS MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Osama M. Alkhudhari, Amal Altujjar, Muhamad Z. Mokhtar, Ben F. Spencer, Qian Chen, Andrew G. Thomas, Nigel W. Hodson, Xuelian Wang, Patrick Hill, Janet Jacobs, Richard J. Curry, Brian R. Saunders
Summary: This study demonstrates the use of large polymer microgel particles as additives in semitransparent perovskite solar cells, resulting in the formation of 2D nanopore arrays in the perovskite layer. This unique morphology improves the performance of the solar cells and may accelerate the development of semitransparent perovskite solar cells.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Dongdong Lu, Mingning Zhu, Jing Jin, Brian R. Saunders
Summary: Thermally- and pH-responsive microgels and hydrogels were prepared and characterized. The Q and VPTT values of the gels can be precisely regulated by adjusting the MAA content and pH. The mechanical properties and swelling behavior of the DX MGs can be altered by adding different ions, providing insights for designing and controlling the properties of multi-responsive MGs and DX MGs.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Muhamad Z. Mokhtar, Jiangyu He, Menghan Li, Qian Chen, Jack Chun Ren Ke, David J. Lewis, Andrew G. Thomas, Ben F. Spencer, Saif A. Haque, Brian R. Saunders
Summary: By blending HAP with TiO2 nanoparticles to prepare perovskite solar cells, the efficiency of the cells can be increased while limiting the concentration of harmful substances released into water, providing a reliable in-device fail-safe system.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shanglin Wu, Mingning Zhu, Dongdong Lu, Amir H. Milani, Qing Lian, Lee A. Fielding, Brian R. Saunders, Matthew J. Derry, Steven P. Armes, Daman Adlam, Judith A. Hoyland
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Chotiros Dokkhan, Muhamad Z. Mokhtar, Chun-Ren Ke, Alex S. Walton, Qian Chen, Nigel W. Hodson, Qing Lian, Brian R. Saunders
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2019)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mingning Zhu, Dongdong Lu, Shanglin Wu, Qing Lian, Wenkai Wang, L. Andrew Lyon, Weiguang Wang, Paulo Bartolo, Brian R. Saunders
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Nam T. Nguyen, Amir H. Milani, James Jennings, Daman J. Adlam, Anthony J. Freemont, Judith A. Hoyland, Brian R. Saunders
Article
Polymer Science
Dongdong Lu, Mingning Zhu, Shanglin Wu, Wenkai Wang, Qing Lian, Brian R. Saunders
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)