Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yunlu Li, Liyuan Li, Hongliang Zhao, Jichang Liu, Kake Zhu
Summary: Researchers have discovered that functionalizing the surface of mesoporous silica MCM-41 can immobilize Ag+ on the material, transforming it from an unselective porous solid into an olefin selective molecular sieve material suitable for liquid phase binary mixture separations. Results show that ionically anchored Ag+ with intact complexation orbitals outperform coordinatively immobilized Ag+ in terms of antileaching property, olefin separation factor, and recyclability. The use of small mesopore size can boost olefin adsorption selectivity by compressing the available space for access of paraffins.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biophysics
Mikhail Suyetin, Stefan Rauwolf, Sebastian Patrick Schwaminger, Chiara Turrina, Leonie Wittmann, Saientan Bag, Sonja Berensmeier, Wolfgang Wenzel
Summary: Understanding the interactions between proteins and silica surfaces is crucial for various applications, and this study uses the EISM model to investigate peptide-silica interactions. Computational screening and experimental data confirm the accuracy of the EISM model in predicting peptide-surface interactions. The results provide guidance for future experimental and theoretical research.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES B-BIOINTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Physics, Condensed Matter
Marilina Cathcarth, Agustin S. Picco, Gabriela B. Mondo, Mateus B. Cardoso, Gabriel S. Longo
Summary: In this study, a molecular thermodynamic theory is developed to investigate the interaction between proteins and a charge regulating silica-like surface. The results show that protonation equilibrium and the charge regulation of the surface hydroxyl groups play critical roles in the protein-surface interactions. Additionally, protein adsorption and surface-protein interactions in binary mixtures cannot be predicted solely based on single-protein solutions.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICS-CONDENSED MATTER
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Arthur Bouchut, Bernard Cathala, Celine Moreau, Michael Lecourt, Michel Petit-Conil, Asja Pettignano, Julien Bernard, Aurelia Charlot, Etienne Fleury
Summary: This study reports a strategy to functionalize cellulosic surfaces through physical adsorption of xyloglucan (XG) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) derivatives bearing allyl or alkyne groups. The derivatives with degrees of substitution ranging from 0.10 to 0.44 are prepared through the opening of the epoxide ring under mild basic aqueous medium. The deposition of these functionalized polysaccharides onto Whatman paper and wood pine fibers shows that the physisorption of the polymer chains is not altered by the extent of the modification or the nature of the substituents.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xiaohui Ju, Bretislav Smid, Viktor Johanek, Ivan Khalakhan, Yurii Yakovlev, Iva Matolinova, Vladimir Matolin
Summary: This study investigated the interaction between dextran and polycrystalline cerium oxide surfaces, revealing mutual charge transfer and surface accumulation of Ce3+ during dextran adsorption. It was found that hydroxyl groups from dextran competitively adsorb on the surface, and thermal annealing results in desorption and decomposition of dextran.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
U. Ray, S. Sarkar, P. Sharma, A. Dhariwal, A. Jha, N. S. Das, S. Kumar, D. Banerjee, K. K. Chattopadhyay
Summary: This study synthesized a-CNT-SiO2 hybrids and characterized them using various instruments, showing the phase transformation and morphology of the samples. The Raman spectra of the hybrids indicated good dye removal efficiency. Kinetic studies confirmed a pseudo first order mechanism for the reaction.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Aylar Naderahmadian, Bagher Eftekhari-Sis, Hessam Jafari, Maryam Zirak, Mohsen Padervand, Ghodrat Mahmoudi, Maryam Samadi
Summary: Cellulose nanofibers decorated with SiO2 nanoparticles (SiO2-CNF) were prepared and demonstrated efficient removal of both anionic and cationic dyes from aqueous solutions.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Anqi Wang, Gerald H. Pollack
Summary: The investigation showed that infrared light irradiation can cause the expansion of the negatively charged exclusion zone (EZ) and positively charged proton zone (PZ) formed in the vicinity of Nafion, promoting the buildup of interfacial water and charge separation.
COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Pushap Raj, Madhav Patel, Athanasios K. Karamalidis
Summary: In this research, cellulose substrates functionalized with different catechol derivatives were developed and used for selective extraction of gallium from dilute acidic solutions. The newly synthesized adsorbents exhibited high selectivity for gallium and were able to separate gallium from other metals under optimal conditions.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Jelena Dinic, B. Amanda Marciel, V. Matthew Tirrell
Summary: This review examines the current understanding of molecular interactions governing liquid-liquid phase separation of biological condensates, focusing on how charge patterns influence the conformation and phase behavior of IDPs, and theoretical treatments of polyampholytes showing that increased charge segregation leads to a higher tendency for phase separation.
CURRENT OPINION IN COLLOID & INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Patrick Giefer, Sabrina Bather, Nadine Kaufmes, Helena Kieserling, Anja Heyse, Wiebe Wagemans, Lars Barthel, Vera Meyer, Emanuel Schneck, Udo Fritsching, Anja Maria Wagemans
Summary: This study investigates the adsorption of beta-lactoglobulin on ceramic silica surfaces and its effects on premix membrane emulsification. The adsorption is driven by attractive electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions, with the treated silica surfaces resulting in a thicker layer of adsorbed beta-lactoglobulin. The adsorption offsets the effect of membrane hydrophilization, resulting in similar droplet size distribution for treated and untreated silica surfaces.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Liangzhi Qiao, SuSu Lei, Kaifeng Du
Summary: High-surface-area interconnected macroporous nanofibrous cellulose microspheres (NCMs) are fabricated by combining emulsion technique and template method, showing excellent adsorption performance for effective protein separation.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nicolo Alvisi, Fabiola A. Gutierrez-Mejia, Meike Lokker, Yu-Ting Lin, Arthur M. de Jong, Floris van Delft, Renko de Vries
Summary: Control over biomolecule placement and activity on solid surfaces is crucial in bionanotechnology. Recombinant protein engineering can be used to design protein-based diblock polymers that self-assemble on silica surfaces and form stable polypeptide brushes for biofunctionalization. The stability of these brushes is partly due to peptide-peptide interactions at the silica surface, as evidenced by high unbinding rates of silica-binding peptides and fibrillar self-assembly induced by silica binding.
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Xinyu Zhang, Jing Tian, Peipei Wang, Tian Liu, Xiaomin Lu, Jiaqi Guo, Yongcan Jin, Huining Xiao, Junlong Song
Summary: The substitution degree (DS) of charged groups in a polymer has a significant impact on its adsorption behavior at the interface, which ultimately affects its applications and performance. This study investigates the adsorption behavior of quaternary celluloses (QCs) with different DS (0.23 and 0.51) on charged surfaces, particularly silica surface. The results reveal that QCs with lower DS can adsorb more onto the silica surface but with a softer conformation, while QCs with higher DS exhibit more negative ΔG, more negative ΔH, slightly lower positive ΔS, and less favorable ΔC-p, indicating the substantial influence of DS on the adsorption behavior and thermodynamics of QCs.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Fuyan Kang, Heng Zhao, Yuqi Liu, Chengfang Wang, Zhanhua Huang, Jinguang Hu
Summary: Biomass photoreforming is a promising alternative technology for the simultaneous production of value-added chemicals and solar fuels. This study demonstrates the design of a bifunctional photocatalyst and the investigation of the redox reaction mechanism, achieving the photoreforming of cellulose. It highlights the concept of biomass photoreforming.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Guillermo Reyes, Mabel Vega-Coloma, Anna Antonova, Rubina Ajdary, Solene Jonveaux, Colleen Flanigan, Nathalie Lautenbacher, Orlando J. Rojas
Summary: Current carbon capture and utilization (CCU) technologies are energy-intensive and expensive. This study proposes an effective approach for CO2 sequestration using alkali cellulose solutions as CO2 absorption media. CO2 absorption and conversion into minerals resulted in maximum absorption of 6.5 gCO(2) g(cellulose)(-1). The resulting cellulose materials can be used in ceramic glazes, cementitious composites, and even for coral reef restoration.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Bruno D. D. Mattos, Ya Zhu, Blaise L. L. Tardy, Marco Beaumont, Ana Carolina R. Ribeiro, Andre L. Missio, Caio G. G. Otoni, Orlando J. J. Rojas
Summary: Metal-phenolic network (MPN) foams are synthesized using tannin-containing cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) and metal nitrates. The obtained foams have low shrinkage and high compression strength due to the cohesive metal-phenolic layers and hydrogen bonding network involving CNF. The presence of tannins and metal ions allows tailoring the physical and mechanical properties of the MPN foams for specific applications.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Manufacturing
Dong Wang, Haiying Yang, Qingxiang Wang, Yi Lu, Jie Yan, Wanli Cheng, Orlando J. Rojas, Guangping Han
Summary: Due to fatigue and damage, the durability of separation membranes in multiphase systems remains a challenge. Researchers have developed electrospun membranes based on polyacrylonitrile and cellulose nanocrystals, which exhibit high porosity, fast mass transport, and excellent durability. These membranes can effectively separate emulsions and maintain shape stability even after multiple filtration cycles.
COMPOSITES PART A-APPLIED SCIENCE AND MANUFACTURING
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Blaise L. L. Tardy, Joseph J. J. Richardson, Luiz G. G. Greca, Junling Guo, Julien Bras, Orlando J. J. Rojas
Summary: The accumulation of plastic waste poses a serious threat to the environment, and current recycling efforts are insufficient. Sustainable materials, such as bioproducts, are being researched as replacements for synthetic plastics, but commercialization is hindered by knowledge gaps. The food-packaging sector can serve as a blueprint for the adoption of bioproducts in other industries.
NATURE SUSTAINABILITY
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Ya Zhu, Esko Kankuri, Xue Zhang, Zhangmin Wan, Xin Wang, Siqi Huan, Long Bai, Shouxin Liu, Orlando J. Rojas
Summary: Direct ink writing (DIW) is used to engineer complex constructs from biobased colloids, with the challenges of strong water interactions and lack of interparticle connectivity overcome by using low-solid emulgel inks stabilized by chitin nanofibrils. Through complementary characterization platforms and molecular dynamics simulations, the structured three-dimensional materials with multiscale porosities are obtained, leading to excellent modulation of cell behavior on the scaffolds.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Elnaz Erfanian, Roxana Moaref, Rubina Ajdary, Kam C. Tam, Orlando J. Rojas, Milad Kamkar, Uttandaraman Sundararaj
Summary: We designed and synthesized bio-based, electrically conductive green inks for direct ink writing (DIW) of lightweight electronics and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shields. The inks incorporate cellulose and graphene oxide, without using hazardous chemicals. The ink composition and ratio significantly affect the printing fidelity, shape retention, and mechanical and electrical properties of the printed structures. For the optimized ink, a high EMI shielding effectiveness of 55.6 dB is achieved.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chuchu Chen, Tong Zhou, Zhangmin Wan, Zhaoyang Xu, Yongcan Jin, Dagang Li, Orlando J. J. Rojas
Summary: This work presents a adhesive-free lamination technique using oxidation and densification to produce transparent all-biobased glazes. The resulting glazes exhibit high optical clarity, mechanical strength, and water resistance in both dry and wet conditions. The materials also demonstrate self-adhesive properties induced by oxidation.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yi Lu, Milad Kamkar, Shasha Guo, Xun Niu, Zhangmin Wan, Junhua Xu, Xiaoya Su, Yimin Fan, Long Bai, Orlando J. Rojas
Summary: Non-equilibrium multiphase systems are created by mixing immiscible nanoparticle dispersions, resulting in bicontinuous emulsions that act as templates for cryogels. A renewable biocolloid, chitin nanocrystals (ChNC), is used to stabilize the intra-phase jammed bicontinuous systems at a very low particle concentration, leading to customizable morphologies. The unique combination of ChNC's properties allows for hydrogelation and the formation of open channels with dual characteristic sizes, incorporated in robust bicontinuous ultra-lightweight solids.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Prottasha Sarker, Pallav K. Jani, Lilian C. Hsiao, Orlando J. Rojas, Saad A. Khan
Summary: The interactions between collagen and TA particles under different pH conditions are investigated. It is found that TA particles provide stronger mechanical reinforcement to collagen at acidic pH due to electrostatic interaction and hydrogen bonding. The study is conducted using rheology, isothermal titration calorimetry, turbidimetric analysis and quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Correction
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Han Tao, Carlo Rigoni, Hailong Li, Antti Koistinen, Jaakko V. I. Timonen, Jiancheng Zhou, Eero Kontturi, Orlando J. Rojas, Guang Chu
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Han Tao, Carlo Rigoni, Hailong Li, Antti Koistinen, Jaakko V. I. Timonen, Jiancheng Zhou, Eero Kontturi, Orlando J. Rojas, Guang Chu
Summary: In this study, a series of heterogeneous colloidal suspensions are developed to exhibit both liquid-liquid phase separation of semiflexible binary polymers and liquid crystal phase separation of rigid, rod-like nanocellulose particles. The phase behavior of the multicomponent mixture is controlled by the trade-off between thermodynamics and kinetics during the two transition processes, showing cholesteric self-assembly of nanocellulose within or across the compartmented aqueous phases. The multicomponent mixture undergoes hierarchical self-assembly of nanocellulose and polymers into stratified cholesteric films upon drying, exhibiting compartmentalized polymer distribution and anisotropic microporous structure.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Svena Yu, Yi Lu, Shasha Guo, Tianyu Guo, Ayako Takagi, Milad Kamkar, Orlando J. Rojas
Summary: Reverse emulsions with high lignin loading are utilized to make bio-degradable UV-absorbing and water-resistant lignin-PLA composites for practical applications. The rheological features of the emulsions are easily tailored to develop biobased coatings on hydrophilic substrates, showing uniformity and mechanical integrity at high lignin loadings. The PLA-lignin film templated from the emulsion is notably more effective in the UV-A region compared to a commercial sunscreen, combining UV-blocking (lignin) and water resistance (PLA) properties in a practical system.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jing Tian, Jingqian Chen, Peipei Wang, Jiaqi Guo, Wenyuan Zhu, Mohammad Rizwan Khan, Yongcan Jin, Junlong Song, Orlando J. J. Rojas
Summary: This study aims to overcome the challenges posed by the chemical complexity, heterogeneity, and broad molecular mass distribution of technical lignins in their high-value utilization. A practical strategy involving sequential dissolution in solvents of different polarities was used to fractionate kraft lignin. By self-assembling lignin through the anti-solvent method, controllable surface energy particles were generated. The customization of lignin (size and wetting characteristics), based on the relationship between particle morphogenesis and oil-in-water (O/W) stabilization capacity, enabled its broader utilization in multiphase systems.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mahyar Fazeli, Sritama Mukherjee, Hossein Baniasadi, Roozbeh Abidnejad, Muhammad Mujtaba, Juha Lipponen, Jukka Seppala, Orlando J. Rojas
Summary: The demand for biodegradable materials has increased across various industries due to environmental concerns. Lignin has emerged as a promising alternative, thanks to its unique structure and functional properties. This review summarizes recent advances in lignin-based composites, with a focus on modifying lignin and evaluating its functional contribution.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ying Wang, Yuntang Zhuang, Yaru Hu, Fangong Kong, Guihua Yang, Orlando J. Rojas, Ming He
Summary: Structural design, morphology engineering, and the use of hybrid materials have been shown to enhance the catalytic performance of electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). In this study, hollow N-doped carbon nano-mushrooms (NCNM) encapsulated hybrid sulfide particles were prepared and embedded into a carbonized wood (CW) framework. The resulting self-supporting electrodes exhibited high activity and stability, outperforming most state-of-the-art wood-derived electrocatalysts. The superior performance is attributed to a combination of factors such as hybridization between Ni3S2 and Fe5Ni4S8, coordination of one-dimensional NCNMs and three-dimensional CW, modified electronic states through N and S doping, large electrochemical surface area, and low activation energy.
