Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Thi D. Ta, A. Kiet Tieu, Bach H. Tran
Summary: This research investigates the adsorption behaviors of two monomers of triblock copolymers on a TiO2 surface in aqueous solution using a multiscale theoretical framework. The study shows that the adsorption of these monomers on a hydroxylated surface is energetically more favorable than on a pure oxide surface. Different adsorption behaviors between the two monomers are observed due to the covalent bonding with the TiO2 surface. The presence of water affects the adsorption process, with 1,2-DME exhibiting weaker adsorption compared to 1,2-DMP.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Qun Yu, De-chang Li, Zhengbin Tian, Chongzhi Zhu, Chengli Jiao, Qian Zhang, Yanping Chen, Yihan Zhu, Heqing Jiang, Jian Liu, Guang-Hui Wang
Summary: In this study, a facile and scalable method for synthesizing single-hole hollow carbon nanospheres (HCH) using poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-assisted emulsion templating is developed. The HCH exhibits higher adsorption capacities and faster adsorption rates, indicating the enhancement of liquid-phase adsorption induced by the single-hole hollow structure.
CHEMISTRY OF MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Fanfan Zhang, Haichang Yang, Xiahui Gui, Han Guo, Yijun Cao, Yaowen Xing
Summary: The morphology of interfacial nanobubbles (INBs) on different hydrophobic surfaces was investigated using TIRF and AFM. The interaction between particles in the presence and absence of INBs was measured using a hydrophobic AFM colloid cantilever. The results show that the formation of INBs is closely related to the hydrophobicity of the substrates, and the size of INBs is positively correlated with the magnitude and range of the hydrophobic interaction force between particles.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yusheng Wang, Yijiang Li, Wencheng Xia, Yaoli Peng, Guangyuan Xie
Summary: The study demonstrated that sodium oleate effectively adsorbs on the oxidized coal surface, improving its hydrophobicity and floatability by reacting with oxygen-containing functional groups on the surface. Additionally, the combination of sodium hexametaphosphate and NaOL in oxidized coal flotation significantly reduces the ash content of clean coal.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES A-PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND ENGINEERING ASPECTS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Chunmiao Bo, Yinhai Li, Bin Liu, Bolin Gong, Xiaofan Tang, Guijuan Ma, Yan Li
Summary: High-selectivity and high-exclusion restricted access materials (RAMs) were prepared by functionalizing poly(4-vinylbenzyl chloride-co-divinylbenzene) microspheres with triblock copolymers. The RAMs had multiple interaction-adsorption sites and zwitterionic exclusion sites. These RAMs could selectively extract fluoroquinolones (FQs) using hydrophobic/p-p/ion exchange interactions and efficiently exclude proteins using zwitterionic blocking. A sensitive detection method for FQs in chicken was successfully established using RAMs as adsorbents combined with UPLC-MS/MS, with wide linearity, low limits of detection and quantification, and good precision and recovery rates.
Article
Polymer Science
Bruna Louise Silva, Marcia Bar Schuster, Roger Hoel Bello, Daniela Becker, Luiz Antonio Ferreira Coelho
Summary: This study examines the effects of combining triblock copolymers with carbon nanoparticles on curing kinetics. The miscibility of the copolymer was found to be critical for the nanoparticle-matrix synergy. Additionally, the incorporation of carbon nanoparticles delays the curing reaction.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Abbas Shirdast, Behnam Davoodi, Jamal Aalaie, Pengfei Zhang, Alireza Sharif
Summary: Grafting hydrophobic alkyl moieties onto the chain backbone can reduce the hydrophilicity of the semi-flexible polysaccharide Sclg, improving its utilization as a polymeric surfactant. In this study, the influences of grafted alkyl moieties with different lengths (C6, C10, or C18) on the adsorption behaviors of the modified Sclgs on a carbonate surface were investigated using self-consistent field theory. The results provide insights into the adsorption mechanisms and contribute to the development of advanced bio-polymeric surfactants.
Article
Food Science & Technology
E. Manville, E. C. Kaya, U. Yucel, D. Boyle, V. Trinetta
Summary: Listeria monocytogenes can adapt, persist, and form biofilms on food premises surfaces, posing challenges for food safety. Material, incubation, and solvent significantly affect the hydrophobicity and wetting properties of L. monocytogenes biofilms.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Patrick J. McCauley, Satish Kumar, Michelle A. Calabrese
Summary: The addition of salt reduces phase transition temperatures, with the most significant effects observed for poloxamers with high PEO content. Despite similar local microstructures, poloxamer identity and salt content substantially impact micelle growth, with large poloxamers exhibiting the highest viscosity and longest relaxation times. While NaF has little impact on micelle growth, NaCl dramatically increases WLM viscosity and relaxation time by affecting the micelle surface tension, scission energy, and contour length through interactions with both PEO and PPO/PEO interface.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Takumi Deguchi, Takato Nakahara, Koreyoshi Imamura, Naoyuki Ishida
Summary: This study investigated the interaction forces between untreated hydrophilic silica surfaces and two typical triblock copolymers under different concentrations and NaCl levels. The results showed that the adsorption behavior of copolymers on surfaces was influenced by their affinity and adsorption density.
ADVANCED POWDER TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Uddhab Kalita, Sarthik Samanta, Sovan Lal Banerjee, Narayan C. Das, Nikhil K. Singha
Summary: A novel thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) composed of polystyrene and poly(beta-myrcene) was successfully prepared using the RAFT polymerization method. This TPE showed good physical properties and sustainable recyclability.
Article
Polymer Science
Meng Liu, Lu Yin, Yue Zhao
Summary: This study investigates the effects of spacer and mesogen on the stretching-induced orientation of mesogens in liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) actuators. The results show that varying the length of spacer or changing the mesogen significantly affects the orientation direction, degree, and stability of the LCEs. The characteristic orientation behaviors of the LCEs are retained in their respective actuators, determining their reversible actuation upon heating and cooling.
Article
Polymer Science
Naruki Kurokawa, Fuyuaki Endo, Kenta Bito, Tomoki Maeda, Atsushi Hotta
Summary: The study focused on solidifying PMEA through copolymerization with PMMA to enhance coating stability, while also expanding PMEA's application range. The new triblock copolymers demonstrated excellent antithrombogenic properties and improved tensile strength compared to previous studies on solidified PMEA.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jing Yu, Kai Xu, Xiaojing Chen, Xiaodan Zhao, Yuxuan Yang, Dake Chu, Yongliang Xu, Qiang Zhang, Yanfeng Zhang, Yilong Cheng
Summary: In this study, an advanced hydrogel was prepared through one-pot free-radical copolymerization, demonstrating excellent mechanical properties and biocompatibility, with vast potential in biomedical and flexible electronic applications.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Fen Xu, Shiwei Wang, Xianli Yuan, Rongjie Kong
Summary: This study investigates the influence of nonionic collectors on the flotation response of low-rank coal particles. The results show that ester surfactants such as methyl linoleate can effectively adsorb onto the surfaces of low-rank coal particles and enhance their hydrophobicity. The electron-absorption induction effect of oxygen-containing groups and large pi bonds of methyl linoleate considerably improve the wetting process on the surface of low-rank coal particles compared to dodecane. This study suggests that ester surfactants can substantially enhance the flotation response of low-rank coal.
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
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
Bradley A. Davis, Jan Genzer, Kirill Efimenko, Milad Abolhasani
Summary: This study presents a versatile network-supported palladium catalyst for continuous synthesis of complex organic compounds. By using a hybrid polymer, the catalytic system achieves optimized performance in the Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling and nitroarene hydrogenation reactions. The system shows high activity, mechanical stability, and reusability, with improved reaction yields and environmentally-friendly solvent usage, making it suitable for industrial applications.
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.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Like Ning, Chaoqun You, Yuxin Jia, Jingqian Chen, Yu Zhang, Xun Li, Orlando J. Rojas, Fei Wang
Summary: The development of a pesticide carrier system based on plant-derived cellulose nanocrystals modified with beta-cyclodextrin and tannic acid is investigated. The carrier enables pH-controlled delivery of the pesticide fenitrothion through hydrophobic and hydrogen bonding interactions and Cu2+ coordination. The system shows efficient antifungal and insecticidal effects along with excellent biosafety, making it a promising approach for pesticide delivery.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yun Yin, Xinyun Li, Qiuping Xie, Xiaoling Wang, Yunxiang He, Orlando J. Rojas, Junling Guo
Summary: This study reports a library of mesocrystals derived from 3,4,5-tri-O-galloylquinic acid. The researchers demonstrate the possibility of affording biogenic mesocrystals with tailorable colloidal behavior by gaining control of the competitive intermolecular interactions that direct the self-assembly process.
CHEMISTRY OF MATERIALS
(2023)
