Article
Polymer Science
Jun Zhong, Xinyue Zhang, Xiaofeng Yu, Xuanyu Shi, Shihao Sun, Li Yang, Min Zuo, Yihu Song, Qiang Zheng
Summary: The selective distribution of silica nanoparticles grafted with crosslinked PMMA in PMMA/SAN blend was studied. Highly crosslinked PMMA chains mainly located in the PMMA-rich domains, while linear PMMA chains mainly located at the blend matrix interface. NPs grafted with slightly crosslinked chains were partially located at the interface and partially in the PMMA-rich domains. The deviation between theoretical prediction and actual location of modified NPs may be related to the heterogeneity of miniemulsion polymerization. The different locations of modified NPs induced by different grafted chain structures can result in various compatibilization effects on PMMA/SAN blend.
Article
Polymer Science
Neel J. Shah, Lilin He, Kevin W. Gao, Nitash P. Balsara
Summary: We investigated the impact of adding salt on the thermodynamics of a miscible polymer blend system consisting of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). While the salt-free PEO/PMMA blends were miscible, the addition of lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI) induced phase separation in majority-PMMA blends, but majority-PEO blends remained miscible. The immiscibility window increased with the addition of a small amount of salt (r = 0.05) and decreased when more salt was added (r = 0.10). We used small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) to determine the composition dependence of the Flory-Huggins parameter (x) and successfully predicted the phase behavior of PEO/PMMA/LiTFSI blends.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xiao-Xia Zhou, Shuai He, Yan Gao, Hai-Yuan Chi, Du-Jia Wang, Ze-Chen Li, Bing Yan
Summary: A novel and sensitive analytical method was reported for extracting and tracking nanoplastics from tissues of aquatic animals. This method involved a combination of alkaline digestion and protein precipitation steps for nanoplastics extraction, followed by quantitative analysis using pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Seong Baek Yang, Dae Won Jeong, Jungeon Lee, Sabina Yeasmin, Chang-Kil Kim, Jeong Hyun Yeum
Summary: In this study, PVA/P(MMA-MAA) blend films were prepared for the first time using the saponification method in a heterogeneous medium. The conversion of PVAc/PMMA into PVA/P(MMA-MAA) films was confirmed by analyzing surface morphology and characteristics, as well as the improvement in thermal properties. The results suggest that blend films based on the hydrophilic/hydrophobic strategy have potential as promising medical materials.
Article
Polymer Science
Sang-In Lee, Min-Guk Seo, June Huh, Hyun-jong Paik
Summary: The temperature dependence of the Flory-Huggins interaction parameter chi for PBA-b-PMMA was quantified using SAXS analysis and RPA theory. The enthalpic contribution of chi was found to be 1.7-4.5 times smaller for PBA-b-PMMA compared to styrene-diene-based block copolymers. This suggests that these fully acrylic components are desirable for constituting terpolymers used in thermally stable and mechanically resilient elastomers.
Article
Polymer Science
Enran Xing, Trevor Bennin, Masoud Razavi, Mark D. Ediger
Summary: This study measured the segmental dynamics of polymer glasses using a photobleaching technique, finding that melt-stretched poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) glasses exhibit more prominent strain-hardening features and faster segmental dynamics compared to PMMA without melt stretching.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Maria del Prado Garrido, Ana Maria Borreguero, Francisco Javier Redondo, David Padilla, Manuel Carmona, Maria Jesus Ramos, Juan Francisco Rodriguez
Summary: In this study, St-MMA particles with PEGMA and/or GMA brushes were synthesized and found to effectively remove bilirubin by improving the BSA immobilization capacity and reducing processing time. Attachment of BSA to the particles reduced bilirubin concentration in plasma from levels that threaten patient survival to levels close to those of healthy individuals.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Sho Amano
Summary: This study demonstrates the use of laser-plasma source for soft X-ray lithography. The results show that the resist can be efficiently etched using specific intensity of X-ray pulses. Additionally, the concept of simultaneous excitation of inner- and outer-shell electrons is tested and proven to increase the efficiency of X-ray lithography.
APPLIED PHYSICS A-MATERIALS SCIENCE & PROCESSING
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Gomathi Mahadevan, Suresh Valiyaveettil
Summary: Studies have shown that PVC and PMMA nanoparticles can affect cell viability, decrease ATP levels, and increase ROS concentrations. These plastic nanoparticles are internalized into cells through endocytosis, potentially disrupting cellular physiology in a negative manner.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Minal Bafna, Farah Deeba, Ankit K. Gupta, Kriti Shrivastava, Vaibhav Kulshrestha, Ankur Jain
Summary: In this study, the effect of different weight ratios (0.5%, 1%, 2%, and 4%) of metal oxide (Fe2O3) loading on the structural and electrical parameters of polymeric composites of PVDF/PMMA blend was investigated. Structural analysis was performed using XRD and FTIR spectra, while impedance analysis was used to study the electrical properties. The results showed that the real parts of the complex permittivity and dielectric loss tangent were frequency independent but increased with an increase in the concentration of nano-Fe2O3. The conductivity of the polymer blends also increased with an increased loading of Fe2O3. The electric modulus spectra were used to analyze the relaxation processes associated with the Maxwell-Wagner-Sillars mechanism and chain segmental motion in the polymer mix.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Alireza Farazin, Alireza Shakeri, Hossein Mahdavi
Summary: In this study, an amphiphilic block copolymer suitable for modification of forward osmosis (FO) membrane support layers was synthesized using the ATRP method. The addition of this copolymer significantly improved the performance of the support layer, and the best performing membrane exhibited satisfactory FO performance.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Weizhao Ren, Yongming Hong, Huidong Wei, Jianquan Xu, Cuiyun Zhang, Xianjing Zhou, Xinping Wang
Summary: The adsorbed polymer layer on the inorganic solid surface plays a crucial role in improving the physical properties of composite nanomaterials. By altering the structure of the adsorbed layer, the properties can be tuned. In this study, we investigated the adsorbed layers of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) on SiO2-Si substrates by varying the hydroxyl (OH) group content on the substrate surface. The results showed that the thickness of the adsorbed layers decreased with decreasing OH group content, and the flattened layer disappeared when the content was around 31%. The presence of OH groups controlled the formation of the adsorbed layer, providing anchor points through hydrogen bonding with the carbonyl groups in PMMA.
Article
Polymer Science
Marian Rofeal, Fady Abdelmalek, Joanna Pietrasik
Summary: This study proposes a new and durable feedstock for efficient polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) production in bioplastic manufacturing. The researchers compared different pretreatment methods for food waste and achieved impressive glucose and PHB yields. They also developed a blend of PHB and poly (methyl methacrylate) with satisfactory mechanical properties. Additionally, a 3D filament was successfully extruded from the PHB blend, demonstrating its potential for future applications.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Anatoly E. Chalykh, Uliana V. Nikulova
Summary: Data were obtained on the solubility of oligomer polystyrene (PS) and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) of various molecular weights. The phase state diagram with the upper critical solution temperature (UCST) was constructed using the Flory-Huggins theory. The influence of polymer molecular weight on mixing was compared and correlation curves were plotted. Interaction parameters were calculated and the mixing thermodynamics was evaluated, with the entropy component making the largest contribution. In addition, IR spectroscopy demonstrated no interaction between the functional groups of PS and PMMA in a homogeneous mixture.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
George Zardalidis, Filippos Farmakis
Summary: Random appearance of micro short circuits and voltage noise has been observed in solid polymer electrolyte high voltage cathode cells with lithium metal anodes, as well as in lower operation voltages of LiFePO4 cathode cells. A systematic study is conducted to determine potential causes and prevention methods of voltage noise by examining the effects of the cathode, polymer electrolyte, and anode separately. The study shows that relying solely on the viscoelastic nature of PMMA-PEO blend electrolytes cannot prevent the occurrence of voltage noise.
ADVANCED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Nan Sun, Yajie Song, Qingsong Liu, Wei Zhao, Fang Zhang, Liping Ren, Ming Chen, Zinan Zhou, Zihan Xu, Shuaifeng Lou, Fanpeng Kong, Jian Wang, Yujin Tong, Jiajun Wang
Summary: A surface-to-bulk synergistic modification strategy using TiNb2O7 coating and Ti-doped LiNi0.6Mn0.2Co0.2O2 single crystals was proposed for achieving a highly stable interface in sulfide-based all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs). This modification strategy improved the electrochemical performance and long-cycle stability of the battery by preventing the decomposition of solid-state electrolytes and stabilizing lattice oxygen.
ADVANCED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lili Han, Xianyun Peng, Hsiao-Tsu Wang, Pengfei Ou, Yuying Mi, Chih-Wen Pao, Jigang Zhou, Jian Wang, Xijun Liu, Way-Faung Pong, Jun Song, Zhang Lin, Jun Luo, Huolin L. Xin
Summary: This study reports a chemically coupled catalyst of low-dimensional SnO2 quantum dots and MXene nanosheets that enhances the conversion of carbon dioxide and shows excellent performance in battery applications.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Zhen Zhang, Haozhen Dou, Rui Gao, Qing-Yuan Zhao, Dan Luo, Jian Wang, Xian-Xiang Zeng, Aiping Yu, Xin Wang, Zhongwei Chen
Summary: This study strategically designs a tunable carbon interface embedded with adjacent boron and nitrogen sites for CO2 electroreduction, achieving record-high formate partial current density among metal-free catalysts in the H-cell with high stability and selectivity.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Qing-Song Liu, Han-Wen An, Xu-Feng Wang, Fan-Peng Kong, Ye-Cai Sun, Yu-Xin Gong, Shuai-Feng Lou, Yi-Fan Shi, Nan Sun, Biao Deng, Jian Wang, Jia-Jun Wang
Summary: A tortuosity-gradient thick electrode was developed to promote fast ion transport and mitigate the heterogeneous solid-state reaction, leading to excellent electrochemical performance for solid-state batteries.
NATIONAL SCIENCE REVIEW
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jijian Xu, Travis P. Pollard, Chongyin Yang, Naveen K. Dandu, Sha Tan, Jigang Zhou, Jian Wang, Xinzi He, Xiyue Zhang, Ai-Min Li, Enyuan Hu, Xiao-Qing Yang, Anh Ngo, Oleg Borodin, Chunsheng Wang
Summary: Liquefying halogen or inter-halogen compounds is crucial for achieving high reversibility in lithium halide cathodes. This can be done using interhalogen compounds with different electronegativity or by lowering the temperature. By demonstrating reversible LiCl conversion-intercalation chemistry in organic electrolytes, high reversible specific capacity is achieved in LiCl-LiBr-graphite cathodes at a lower cost than transition metal oxide cathodes.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Syed Q. A. Shah, Muhammet Annaorazov, Gaurab Rimal, Jian Wang, Mario F. Borunda, Jinke Tang, Andrew J. Yost
Summary: Using pulsed laser deposition, a EuO1-x film was deposited on a Si(001) substrate with a MgO buffer, and compared to a heterostructure with an additional BaTi2O5 film on top of the EuO1-x surface. XRD analysis showed that the films had a preferred EuO(111) orientation and the presence of EuSi2, suggesting diffusion of Si or Eu across the MgO buffer layer. The EuO1-x films exhibited a ferromagnetic signature and temperature-dependent exchange bias, while the BaTi2O5 films showed an antiferromagnetic behavior, indicating an origin at the BaTi2O5/EuO1-x interface.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Spectroscopy
Xinye Yuan, Tianxiao Sun, Elena A. Baranova, Yaser Abu-Lebdeh, Jigang Zhou, Jian Wang, Huaidong Jiang
Summary: CO2 electrochemical reduction (CO2ER) is a promising technology for converting CO2 into useful chemicals and fuels, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Cu nanoparticles-based catalysts are an excellent choice for CO2ER due to their high conductivity and catalytic activity. This study used STXM and spectro-ptychography to investigate the chemical and electronic structural changes of CuAg nanocatalysts during CO2ER. The observed self-aggregation and oxidation of Cu species provide insights into the loss of catalytic activity in CuAg nanocatalysts after CO2ER.
JOURNAL OF ELECTRON SPECTROSCOPY AND RELATED PHENOMENA
(2023)
Article
Spectroscopy
Tianxiao Sun, Shengnan Zuo, Bo He, Xinye Yuan, Guixiang Li, Jigang Zhou, Markus Weigand, Antonio Abate, Jian Wang
Summary: The structural and compositional properties of tin halide perovskites were investigated using scanning transmission soft X-ray microscopy (STXM) and spectro-ptychography techniques. The study revealed the spectral characteristics of main components in Sn-based perovskites and differences between samples with and without adding an ionic liquid. Chemical imaging showed that the ionic liquid-treated sample exhibited a more homogeneous perovskite phase, and XANES resonance features supported the protective role of the ionic liquid in perovskite formation and stabilization.
JOURNAL OF ELECTRON SPECTROSCOPY AND RELATED PHENOMENA
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yanfei Zhu, Qi Zhang, Yun Zheng, Gaoran Li, Rui Gao, Zhihong Piao, Dan Luo, Run-Hua Gao, Mengtian Zhang, Xiao Xiao, Chuang Li, Zhoujie Lao, Jian Wang, Zhongwei Chen, Guangmin Zhou
Summary: Composite-polymer-electrolytes (CPEs) embedded with an unsaturated coordination Prussian blue analog (UCPBA) filler demonstrate fast and preferential Li+ conduction through a chemically stable electrolyte/filler interface (EFI). The unsaturated Co-O coordination in UCPBA ensures a stable EFI and prevents side reactions, while the Lewis-acid metal centers attract the Lewis-base anions of Li salts, enhancing Li+ disassociation and transference number (tLi+). These CPEs exhibit high room-temperature ionic conductivity and excellent cyclability and capacity retention for solid-state lithium-sulfur batteries.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hanwen An, Qingsong Liu, Biao Deng, Jian Wang, Menglu Li, Xin Li, Shuaifeng Lou, Jiajun Wang
Summary: The design of practical cathodes with high areal capacity in polymer-based all-solid-state batteries remains challenging due to the absence of an effective guiding principle. This study proposes a dynamically stable cathode design with a fully covered surface, which effectively mitigates interface failure and enables long-term cycling. The study also reveals the importance of local state of charge and porosity of the cathode in affecting interfacial properties and ion transport.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Spectroscopy
Chunyang Zhang, Jiatang Chen, Hao Yuan, Jian Wang, Tianxiao Sun, Drew Higgins, Adam P. Hitchcock
Summary: Soft X-ray spectro-ptychography was used to measure nickel-nitrogen-carbon electrocatalysts with atomically dispersed active sites. The spatial resolution of ptychography was improved compared to scanning transmission X-ray microscopy (STXM). Chemical mapping of key components was achieved through fits of reference spectra to absorption signals derived from ptychographic reconstruction. This study highlights the added value of spectro-ptychography for electrocatalyst research compared to STXM.
JOURNAL OF ELECTRON SPECTROSCOPY AND RELATED PHENOMENA
(2023)
Article
Spectroscopy
Joseph Stitsky, Jian Wang, Stephen Urquhart
Summary: Spectroptychography is used to improve the spatial resolution of x-ray spectromicroscopy for finer chemical microanalysis. Near edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) provides chemical sensitivity, while ptychography offers additional phase information and potential chemical information. This paper explores the chemical information available in phase for silicon dioxide nanospheres.
JOURNAL OF ELECTRON SPECTROSCOPY AND RELATED PHENOMENA
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Bonho Koo, Jinkyu Chung, Juwon Kim, Dimitrios Fraggedakis, Sungjae Seo, Chihyun Nam, Danwon Lee, Jeongwoo Han, Sugeun Jo, Hongbo Zhao, Neel Nadkarni, Jian Wang, Namdong Kim, Markus Weigand, Martin Z. Bazant, Jongwoo Lim
Summary: Li-ion battery electrodes exhibit a resistance increase during high-rate lithiation, which is poorly understood. Li transfer kinetics at the surface determines the hysteresis. Surface and bulk phase separation strongly depends on the direction and magnitude of the current. Dynamical asymmetry between lithiation and delithiation is attributed to autoinhibitory Li-rich and autocatalytic Li-poor domains.
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Shuo Yan, Sara Abouali, Chae-Ho Yim, Jigang Zhou, Jian Wang, Elena A. Baranova, Arnaud Weck, Venkataraman Thangadurai, Ali Merati, Yaser Abu-Lebdeh
Summary: Researchers introduced a carbonate-based liquid electrolyte to lower the resistance at the garnet electrolyte/cathode interface and improve the performance of solid-state lithium-metal batteries (SS-LMBs). By using scanning transmission X-ray microscopy and X-ray absorption spectroscopy, they studied the role of liquid electrolytes at the interface and discovered the formation and chemical composition of two interphases. They also found that the liquid electrolyte decomposes during cycling into fluoride species, oxides, and carbonates, which contribute to the formation of the solid-liquid electrolyte interphase. Based on the synergy between interphases, they demonstrated the potential application of a new hybrid electrolyte approach in SS-LMBs, achieving high capacity retention after multiple cycles.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY C
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Zhangsen Chen, Gaixia Zhang, Qingmin Hu, Yi Zheng, Siyi Cao, Guozhu Chen, Cuncheng Li, Teak Boyko, Ning Chen, Weifeng Chen, Tom Regier, James Dynes, Jian Wang, Hsiao-Tsu Wang, Jigang Zhou, Shuhui Sun
Summary: The study demonstrates that moderate grinding processes can enhance CO Faradaic efficiency and current density in the electrochemical reduction reaction of CO2 (ECO2RR). Changes in the electronic structure of cobalt active sites in the ground catalysts are confirmed by X-ray spectroscopy, improving catalytic performance.
