Article
Chemistry, Physical
Steven W. Rick
Summary: A thermal responsive block copolymer made up of ethylene oxide (EO) and propylene oxide (PO) blocks was simulated at different temperatures, showing aggregation behavior in dilute solution that is stabilized by hydrophobic contact of propylene oxide methyl groups. The study compared the aggregation tendency of different polymers in solution and highlighted the importance of hydrophobic interactions in the aggregation process.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY B
(2021)
Article
Thermodynamics
Irena Kresic, Natasa Stipanelov Vrandecic, Matko Erceg, Zoran Grubac, Mia Galic
Summary: This study focuses on the characterization of a series of solid nanocomposite polymer electrolytes consisting of PEO, POSS, and LiBOB. The addition of LiBOB and POSS leads to a decrease in the crystallinity and melting temperatures of PEO, while the glass transition temperatures increase. The thermal stability of the polymer electrolytes was investigated, showing a more complex degradation compared to pure PEO. However, the polymer electrolytes remain thermally stable enough for their applications in electrochemical devices. The incorporation of LiBOB and POSS positively influences the ionic conductivity of PEO. The optimized system was determined based on the ionic conductivity of the nanocomposites.
JOURNAL OF THERMAL ANALYSIS AND CALORIMETRY
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Neel J. Shah, Sajjad Dadashi-Silab, Michael D. Galluzzo, Saheli Chakraborty, Whitney S. Loo, Krzysztof Matyjaszewski, Nitash P. Balsara
Summary: The study investigated the impact of salt addition on a diblock copolymer system with a negative Flory-Huggins interaction parameter, chi. It was found that ordered phases only appear under specific conditions, as predicted by ionic self-consistent field theory.
Article
Thermodynamics
Wei Gao, Yufeng Li, Jitao Zhao, Weiwei Tang, Zhe Zhang, Jun Wang, Zhenyu Wu, Minggang Li
Summary: PET/graphene oxide (GO) composites were synthesized to overcome the low crystallization rate and long molding time of PET. The influence of GO on the crystallization performance of PET was investigated, and it was found that GO raised the crystallization temperature and rate of PET. The mechanism of PET nucleation induced by GO was studied, and the addition of GO improved the thermal stability of PET.
JOURNAL OF THERMAL ANALYSIS AND CALORIMETRY
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Stephen C. Zambrzycki, Matthew C. Bernier, James A. Bradshaw, Facundo M. Fernandez
Summary: The pyro-VaPI technique integrates pyrolysis, plasma ionization, ion mobility, and mass spectrometry into a single platform for structural characterization of insoluble polymers. Using IM-MS analysis, isobaric dimers and tetramers were detected in nylon polymers, providing valuable insights into their composition.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR MASS SPECTROMETRY
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Sangwoo Kwon, Youngsan Kim, Hyunho Jang, Sun Jong Kim, Su-il Park
Summary: This study investigated the effects of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) as a compatibilizer and hydrolysis-accelerating agent in blends of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and poly(butylene sebacate-co-terephthalate) (PBSeT). The addition of PEO improved the elongation at break and miscibility of the blends, and accelerated the hydrolytic degradation.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Iouliana Chrysafi, Kyriakos Avraam, Theodora Krasia-Christoforou
Summary: In this study, polyethylene oxide/poly (methyl methacrylate) electrospun fibers were used as encapsulation matrices for phase change materials. The effect of n-eicosane content on the morphology and thermal properties of the fibers was extensively investigated. It was found that the addition of n-eicosane improved the thermal reliability of the fibers, and the system with 10% n-eicosane showed the most promising results. The degradation kinetics of n-eicosane were also studied.
MATERIALS CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Esmaeel Sharifi, Rezvan Jamaledin, Fatemeh Familsattarian, Fereshteh Nejaddehbashi, Mitra Bagheri, Mohammad Chehelgerdi, Ehsan Nazarzadeh Zare, Omid Akhavan
Summary: This research evaluated the potential of bioactive chitosan@poly (ethylene oxide)@CuFe2O4 (CS@PEO@CF) nanofibers in wound healing. The nanoparticles showed antibacterial and antioxidant properties and did not adversely affect fibroblast cell viability. The nanofibrous mats promoted cell migration and growth at the wound edge, leading to enhanced wound healing and regeneration of sebaceous glands and hair follicles within the skin.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Heng Xie, Ting Wu, Wenhua Xu, Xiaolong Li, Yu Du, Mengjie Sheng, Haifei Zhong, Jinping Qu
Summary: This paper proposes a method for large-scale production of multifunctional phase change composites and establishes a multifunctional energy harvesting and circulation system.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Renzhi Huang, Yang Ding, Fenglin Zhang, Wei Jiang, Canfu Zhang, Pengfei Yan, Min Ling, Huilin Pan
Summary: Solid-state polymer electrolytes (SPEs) have received increasing attention due to their good interfacial contact, light weight, and easy manufacturing. However, the practical application of widely studied poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) in high-energy solid polymer batteries is still challenging, and the mismatch between PEO and 4.2 V-class cathodes is found to be the main reason for performance degradation.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Evelien Maaskant, Daan S. van Es
Summary: Poly(ethylene furanoate) (PEF) is compared to the fossil-based polyester poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) in terms of UV stability, with PEF showing significant degradation including discoloration, cross linking/chain extension, and chain scission after 500 hours of UV irradiation. Additionally, UV irradiation also severely impacts the thermal properties and crystallization ability of PEF. Indications suggest that Norrish type I and II degradation reactions play a role in the UV degradation of PEF.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Katarzyna E. Kosiorowska, Piotr Biniarz, Adam Dobrowolski, Karol Leluk, Aleksandra M. Mironczuk
Summary: This study presents a novel method for directly degrading PET using a modified yeast strain. The addition of supplements enhances the efficiency of PET degradation, resulting in an increase in the amount of degradation products over time.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Congzhi Zhu, Aaron A. Burkey, Cameron P. Adams, Diego Uruchurtu Patino, Nathaniel A. Lynd
Summary: Orthoester-containing copolymers are degradable under mild acidic conditions, making them suitable for applications in drug delivery, photolithography, and disposable plastics with environmental remediation. These copolymers combine the degradation properties of polyorthoesters with the structural diversity of polyethers.
Article
Polymer Science
Xiangning Wen, Yunlan Su, Shaofan Li, Weilong Ju, Dujin Wang
Summary: The study demonstrated that PEG-g-SiO2 can significantly increase the crystallinity and crystallization temperature of PEO matrix, affecting the crystalline morphology and rate of PEO. The good dispersion of PEG-g-SiO2 in the PEO matrix contributes to enhancing the primary nucleation rate.
Article
Polymer Science
Akanksha Patel, Allen C. Chang, Abigail Mastromonaco, Mauricio Acosta Diaz, Sarah Perry, Olivia Ferki, Christian Ayafor, Umer Abid, Hsi-Wu Wong, Dongming Xie, Margaret J. Sobkowicz
Summary: This study explores the complex relationship between kinetics and substrate morphology during enzymatic depolymerization of PET and analyzes the effects of competing transformations. The presence of water was found to play an important role in plasticization and crystallization of PET. It suggests that the rate of depolymerization of PET substrates is crucial for achieving high conversion to monomeric product.
Article
Physics, Applied
Anton Nikiforov, Chuanlong Ma, Andrei Choukourov, Fabio Palumbo
Summary: Designing materials with appropriate surface properties can improve their antibacterial efficiency. Antimicrobial coatings can create a healthier environment and provide solutions for people with health problems. This Tutorial introduces plasma-based methods and tools for developing sustainable antimicrobial coatings.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYSICS
(2022)
Article
Physics, Applied
Amir Mohammad Ahadi, Hana Libenska, Tereza Kosutova, Miroslav Cieslar, Veronika Cervenkova, Dejan Prokop, Milan Dopita, Hynek Biederman, Jan Hanus
Summary: This study presents a method for controlled synthesis of core@shell nanoparticles using a gas aggregation source combined with secondary planar magnetron sputtering with closed field configuration. The results show that the shell thickness can be controlled by tuning the power delivered to the secondary magnetron plasma, and different chemistry and crystallite size can be achieved by adjusting the operation conditions.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICS D-APPLIED PHYSICS
(2022)
Article
Physics, Applied
Jonas Drewes, Suren Ali-Ogly, Thomas Strunskus, Oleksandr Polonskyi, Hynek Biederman, Franz Faupel, Alexander Vahl
Summary: The study utilized in situ UV-Vis spectroscopy to investigate how the growth and transport of nanoparticles inside a gas aggregation source (GAS) were influenced by the Ar gas flow and operating pressure. It was found that the distribution of gas flow velocity strongly impacted the movement of nanoparticles and their positions inside the GAS depended on the gas flow. Computational fluid dynamic simulations were also conducted to identify areas where nanoparticles could be trapped or lost inside the GAS.
PLASMA PROCESSES AND POLYMERS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Coatings & Films
Adela Hankova, Anna Kuzminova, Jan Hanus, Tereza Kosutova, Pavel Solar, Jaroslav Kousal, Ondrej Kylian
Summary: This study investigates the possibility of using a magnetron-based gas aggregation source for the production of mesoporous vanadium films composed of individual vanadium nanoparticles. The results show that the optimized deposition conditions allow for the production of porous nanoparticle coatings as well as coatings with columnar structures. Additionally, it is demonstrated that these coatings can be easily transformed into vanadium pentoxide films without losing their mesoporous character.
SURFACE & COATINGS TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Sanjay Kumar, Jiri Kratochvil, Yasmina Al-Muhkhrabi, Eliska Kratochvilova, David Kahoun, David Kaftan, Jan Hanus, Jan Sterba, Vitezslav Stranak
Summary: Metal nanoparticles have unique properties useful in sensors and antibacterial coatings, but low adherence to surfaces requires incorporation into a matrix, impacting functionality. Optimizing the deposition process can enhance surface stability and adhesion, improving nanoparticle performance.
SURFACES AND INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Matthias Schwartzkopf, Andre Rothkirch, Niko Carstens, Qing Chen, Thomas Strunskus, Franziska C. Loehrer, Senlin Xia, Christoph Rosemann, Lorenz Biessmann, Volker Koerstgens, Shiwani Ahuja, Pallavi Pandit, Jan Rubeck, Susann Frenzke, Alexander Hinz, Oleksandr Polonskyi, Peter Mueller-Buschbaum, Franz Faupel, Stephan Roth
Summary: In this study, we investigate in real time the formation of polymer-supported silver, copper, and silver-copper-alloy nanoclusters using in situ surface-sensitive X-ray scattering and optical spectroscopy. By tracking the growth morphology, surface plasmon resonance shifts, and growth kinetics, we are able to extract the influence of scaling effects on nucleation and phase selection. Our findings provide a crucial route to accurately tailor the plasmon resonances of nanosized clusters, which is essential for anti-counterfeiting applications.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Lucia Bajtosova, Barbora Krivska, Rostislav Kralik, Jozef Vesely, Jan Hanus, Petr Harcuba, Jan Fikar, Ankit Yadav, Miroslav Cieslar
Summary: This study used molecular dynamics simulation method to investigate the mechanical properties of thin aluminum-based films, and compared the results with transmission electron microscope experiments. The simulation results matched well with the experimental results, revealing the importance of grain boundary processes in deformation.
SCRIPTA MATERIALIA
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Pavel Sola, Katerina Skorvankova, Anna Kuzminova, Jaroslav Kousal, Ondrej Kylian
Summary: Gas aggregation sources are valuable tools for producing nanoparticles and nano-particle films. The velocity of produced nanoparticles is a critical parameter that affects the usability of these sources and properties of the fabricated nanomaterials. A mechanical time-of-flight filter has been used to measure nanoparticle velocities and it has been found that the velocity can be controlled by process parameters such as aggregation chamber pressure and magnetron current. The velocity of nanoparticles was also found to depend on their size following a simple power law, making the filter useful not only as a velocity filter but also as a mass filter.
Article
Physics, Applied
Suren Ali-Ogly, Jaroslav Kousal, Daniil Nikitin, Pavel Pleskunov, Janus Hanus, Andrei Choukourov, Hynek Biederman
Summary: In this study, computational fluid dynamics simulations were used to analyze the flow of carrier gas in a sputter-based gas aggregation cluster source and investigate the impact of inlet and outlet geometry on gas flow and nanoparticle transport. The results showed that nanoparticles experience Brownian diffusion and drag force from the carrier gas flow, and a minimum gas velocity of 10 m/s is required to prevent loss of nanoparticles on the walls and ensure efficient nanoparticle transport.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICS D-APPLIED PHYSICS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Giovanni Ceccio, Jiri Vacik, Jakub Siegel, Antonino Cannavo, Andrey Choukourov, Pavel Pleskunov, Marco Tosca, Dietmar Fink
Summary: This work focuses on the controlled preparation and filling of pores in PET membranes. Wet chemical etching was used to create micrometric pores, which were then filled with LiCl solution or boron. Nuclear methods like ITS and NDP were employed to control the pore shape and dopant filling. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of wet chemical etching and the suitability of nuclear methods for studying the preparation and filling of pores in thin films.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Oguz Han Asnaz, Jonas Drewes, Marie Elis, Thomas Strunskus, Franko Greiner, Oleksandr Polonskyi, Franz Faupel, Lorenz Kienle, Alexander Vahl, Jan Benedikt
Summary: A novel combined setup of a Haberland type gas aggregation source and a secondary radio frequency discharge is used to generate, confine, and coat nanoparticles over much longer time scales than traditional in-flight treatment. The process is precisely monitored using localized surface plasmon resonance and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy as in situ diagnostics. Surface coating is shown to occur in two phases: first, singular seeds appear on the particle surface which then grow to cover the entire particle surface over 3 to 5 minutes.
NANOSCALE ADVANCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Kateryna Biliak, Daniil Nikitin, Suren Ali-Ogly, Mariia Protsak, Pavel Pleskunov, Marco Tosca, Anastasiya Sergievskaya, David Cornil, Jerome Cornil, Stephanos Konstantinidis, Tereza Kosutova, Zulfiya Cernochova, Petr Stepanek, Jan Hanus, Jaroslav Kousal, Lenka Hanykova, Ivan Krakovsky, Andrei Choukourov
Summary: The optical response of plasmonic nanofluids can be tailored by changing the shape, size, concentration, and material of nanoparticles (NPs) or by mixing different types of NPs. In this study, an inverse system of non-aqueous nanofluids was introduced, where Ag and Cu NPs were dispersed in poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) without any solvents or chemicals. The results showed that NPs could efficiently diffuse into PEG without the presence of solvents or chemical residues.
NANOSCALE ADVANCES
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Helge Kreuger, Heather Cavers, Jakob Offermann, Oleksandr Polonskyi, Rainer Adelung, Sandra Hansen
Summary: Lithium-ion batteries play a crucial role in enabling a greener society, but the demand for higher energy density is pushing the current technology to its limits. Silicon and sulfur are promising alternatives to the current cathode and anode materials, offering abundant resources and high specific capacities. However, the polysulfide shuttle effect poses a challenge to sulfur-based batteries, especially when using lithium metal anodes. Research is being conducted to understand the reactivity of polysulfides with silicon and improve the performance of silicon anodes.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Review
Materials Science, Coatings & Films
O. Kylian, D. Nikitin, J. Hanus, S. Ali-Ogly, P. Pleskunov, H. Biederman
Summary: The application of plasma-based methods for synthesizing functional nanomaterials has been expanding for several decades, with nanoparticles playing an increasingly important role. Nanoparticles have been widely used in optoelectronic energy conversion, electrocatalysis, plasmonic materials, electroluminescence, self-assembly, supramolecular chemistry, and biomedical applications. This review focuses on nanoparticles prepared using vacuum-based plasma-assisted sources, specifically those excited by a planar magnetron. It discusses the state-of-the-art gas aggregation cluster sources, stability of the deposition process, enhancement of production yield, and tailoring the composition, structure, and shape of nanoparticles. It also presents in-flight modification of nanoparticles, interactions with substrates, and deposition onto liquids.
JOURNAL OF VACUUM SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY A
(2023)
