Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
O. Sakhno, L. M. Goldenberg, M. Wegener, C. Dreyer, A. Berdin, J. Stumpe
Summary: This study demonstrated, for the first time, the controlled fabrication of surface relief gratings in an azobenzene-containing polyelectrolyte material using an UV-laser and Lloyd's interferometer. These gratings can have small period down to 180 nm. The replication of the gratings using soft lithography was also demonstrated.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Francesco Reda, Marcella Salvatore, Fabio Borbone, Pasqualino Maddalena, Stefano L. Oscurato
Summary: This study characterizes the temporal evolution of surface relief gratings (SRGs) fabricated using interference lithography, and proposes a simple yet detailed diffraction model to accurately describe the diffraction behavior of SRGs. By conducting Fourier analysis of surface profiles, a reliable surface structuration dynamics is empirically extracted, providing insights for improving the performance and application of SRGs.
ACS MATERIALS LETTERS
(2022)
Review
Crystallography
Lulu Xue, Ying Pan, Shaohai Zhang, Yinjie Chen, Haifeng Yu, Yonggang Yang, Lixin Mo, Zhicheng Sun, Luhai Li, Huai Yang
Summary: The design and synthesis of fluorescent azobenzene compounds have attracted significant attention, with various methods being utilized to enhance their fluorescence performance for applications in different fields. Progress has been made in this area, but future research needs to address existing challenges and explore new directions for development.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Jiawei You, Shuai Zhang, Qiuying Li, Weijie Zhang, Huili Ma, Jianquan Hou, Engui Zhao, Zikai He
Summary: This article presents two new azobenzene derivatives with photoisomerization properties and solid-state fluorescence. The study reveals that these derivatives exhibit unusual fluorescence in the solid state, with TPE-Azo-2OH showing even stronger fluorescence due to the suppression of photoisomerization by intramolecular hydrogen bonds. Additionally, these azobenzene derivatives undergo fluorescence transformation from red to green upon reduction. These new derivatives with AIE attributes and stimuli-responsiveness are expected to provide a new platform for developing photo-responsive luminescent materials.
Article
Polymer Science
Shuo-Feng Liang, Chen Nie, Jie Yan, Qi-Jin Zhang, Si Wu
Summary: Photoinduced reversible liquefaction and solidification of polymers allow for processing and healing of polymers using light. Two types of photoinduced liquefaction properties have been observed in azobenzene-containing polymers: reversible solid-to-liquid transition and directional photofluidization. This technology has shown promising progress and applications in the field of polymer materials.
CHINESE JOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Vito F. F. Palmisano, Shirin Faraji, Juan J. J. Nogueira
Summary: The activity of ion channels can be controlled reversibly by molecular photoswitches, which interact with the protein via stacking interactions. This study investigates the effect of face-to-face and t-shaped stacking interactions on the excited state electronic structure of azobenzene and p-diaminoazobenzene integrated into the Na(V)1.4 channel. The formation of a charge transfer state, caused by electron transfer from the protein to the photoswitches, is observed. This low-energy charge transfer state can interfere with the photoisomerization process and lead to the formation of radical species.
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Anna Kozanecka-Szmigiel, Aleksandra Hernik, Katarzyna Rutkowska, Jolanta Konieczkowska, Ewa Schab-Balcerzak, Dariusz Szmigiel
Summary: This research reports on the holographic inscription of a surface relief grating with a maximum depth of 1.7 µm in a custom synthesized glassy azo polymer. The deformed polymer structure has a unique dual effect on incoming light beams of different diameters, enabling continuous tuning of diffraction efficiencies and reshaping the intensity profiles.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Monika Williams, Ruaridh Forbes, Hayley Weir, Kevin Veyrinas, Ryan J. MacDonell, Andrey E. Boguslavskiy, Michael S. Schuurman, Albert Stolow, Todd J. Martinez
Summary: This study presents the first vacuum ultraviolet time-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy (VUV-TRPES) investigation of photoisomerization dynamics in the paradigmatic molecule cis-stilbene. By combining VUV-TRPES with ab initio multiple spawning (AIMS) nonadiabatic dynamics simulations, direct spectral signatures of the phantom state in isolated cis-stilbene were observed and characterized. The study tracked the complete excited-state dynamics via multiple photoionization channels, from initial excitation to the electronic decay to the ground state, revealing the unique spectral signatures and time-dependent dynamics of the phantom-state intermediate.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Nadiyah Rashed Al Atmah, Willian R. Caliman, Agnieszka Pawlicka, Ribal Georges Sabat, Jean-Michel Nunzi
Summary: In this study, homogeneous thin films of chitosan-PADA dye were deposited on glass substrates using spin-coating method. ATR-FTIR spectroscopy and UV-VIS spectroscopy were performed to characterize the films, revealing hydrogen bonding and the formation of surface relief grating (SRG). AFM confirmed the existence of SRG and measured the grating depth.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Matthew M. Sartin, Masahisa Osawa, Satoshi Takeuchi, Tahei Tahara
Summary: An ultrafast spectroscopic study was conducted on a photoisomerizable molecular shuttle system, revealing that the presence of cyclodextrin host affects the isomerization and shuttling process within the S-1 state.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Corey Johnson, John S. Harwood, Mark Lipton, Jean Chmielewski
Summary: The ability to reversibly modulate peptide secondary structures allows for precise control of biological function, and in this study, two scaffolds containing an azobenzene moiety were designed to investigate the photo-control of a beta-turn within a cyclic peptide. The designed cyclic peptides showed different conformations when in the cis (trans to cis isomerization) versus trans form, which could be beneficial for the use of biologically active beta-turn sequences.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Liang Fei, Weidong Yu, Zonghuai Wu, Yunjie Yin, Kasper Moth-Poulsen, Chaoxia Wang
Summary: Leuco dye-based thermochromic materials have great potential for visible molecular logic due to their reversible color-changing effect. However, controlling the bistable color function at the desired temperature is still a challenge. By designing a series of azobenzenes with different alkyl chains, protonation competition with the leuco dye can be achieved, allowing for the locking and releasing of the color developer. This optically controlled leuco dye-based system demonstrates visible sequential logic operations and provides a new type of protonation-based optical control.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chaoyue Xiong, Guodong Xue, Lijun Mao, Lianghong Gu, Chao He, Yonghao Zheng, Dongsheng Wang
Summary: This study demonstrates a close relationship between the length of carbon spacer and the photoswitching property of DASAs, showing that shortening the carbon spacer improves the efficiency and rate of the light-induced linear-to-cyclic isomerization. Density functional theory calculation was used to investigate the molecular energy variation during the isomerization process. Thus, this work provides a reliable carbon spacer strategy to control the photoswitching behavior of DASAs using chemical methods.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Sarah Loebner, Bharti Yadav, Nino Lomadze, Nina Tverdokhleb, Hendrik Donner, Marina Saphiannikova, Svetlana Santer
Summary: This study reveals the relationship between photoinduced deformation of azobenzene containing polymers and the direction of optomechanical stresses generated during irradiation with interference patterns. Experimentally observed shapes are accurately reproduced with modeling using visco-plastic properties in finite element software. The orientation approach can predict local variations of light-induced stress in different interference patterns, providing a self-sufficient and convincing mechanism for describing photoinduced deformation in azopolymer films.
MACROMOLECULAR MATERIALS AND ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Eva Rivero-Buceta, Mirela E. Encheva, Bradley Cech, Eduardo Fernandez, German Sastre, Christopher C. Landry, Pablo Botella
Summary: By shifting photoswitching activity from the nanoparticle to the drug, we have developed a drug delivery system that enables controlled release. Through molecular dynamics and modeling, a photoswitchable prodrug of the antitumor drug camptothecin with an azobenzene functionality was designed and synthesized, and porous silica nanoparticles with pore diameters designed to limit release in the trans form were prepared. The intracellular release and cytotoxic activity of this novel drug delivery system has been validated in several human cell lines, confirming its ability to accurately control the release of the camptothecin prodrug.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Yangjiang Wu, Zhihui Wang, Longfei Yang, Yanjun Qiao, Dongdong Chang, Yongkun Yan, Zeng Wu, Zhijun Hu, Jichao Zhang, Xuefeng Lu, Yan Zhao, Yunqi Liu
Summary: This study reveals that using a ferroelectric polymer as a dielectric interfacial layer in organic field-effect transistors can constrain traps within a shallow energy level. Furthermore, the decrease in shallow traps is proportional to the increase in deep traps, indicating a transition between shallow and deep traps in the semiconducting channel.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Weijie Chen, Shuo Liu, Qingqing Li, Qinrong Cheng, Baosheng He, Zhijun Hu, Yunxiu Shen, Haiyang Chen, Guiying Xu, Xuemei Ou, Heyi Yang, Jiachen Xi, Yaowen Li, Yongfang Li
Summary: An effective method of enhancing the built-in electric field intensity in perovskite solar cells is reported in this study. By doping an organic ferroelectric material, PVDF:DH, an additional electric field is generated, promoting charge-carrier transport, perovskite growth, and improving the overall performance and stability of the solar cells.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Qingqing Li, Lianmin Chen, Mingyu Guo, Zhijun Hu
Summary: This study presents a method for preparing extremely stretchable and tough piezoelectric gels by swelling poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-based poly(urethane-urea) (PUU) gels with aqueous solution of molecular ferroelectrics. These composite gels exhibit unique mechanical properties and excellent piezoelectric properties, showing great potential for various applications in the future.
ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Xiangyi Meng, Qingqing Li, Zhijun Hu, Mingyu Guo
Summary: β-phase enriched PVDF microfibers were prepared for the first time using microfluidic spinning technology. The resulting fibers were weaved into flexible piezoelectric fabrics for in-situ and real-time human motion monitoring. This study provides a promising approach for the development of functional microfibers and wearable piezoelectric sensors.
JOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jiajia Li, Miao Chen, Xia Lin, Xiangqiang Pan, Zhengbiao Zhang, Jian Zhu
Summary: This article introduces a method for simplifying the conditions of living cationic polymerization by utilizing microflow reactors and a weak Lewis acid, zinc chloride (ZnCl2). Well-defined polymers with controlled molecular weights and narrow molecular weight distributions can be obtained under ambient conditions.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Bowen Zhao, Jiajia Li, Yuan Xiu, Xiangqiang Pan, Zhengbiao Zhang, Jian Zhu
Summary: The oxygen-tolerant and rapid living 3D printing based on photoiniferter RAFT polymerization does not require additional photoinitiators or photocatalysts, and can be applied to commercial digital light processing technique-based 3D printers to fabricate living 3D materials with different shapes and properties.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Bin Xu, Xiangqiang Pan, Jian Zhu
Summary: This study presents the synthesis of photonic crystals with adjustable photonic band gaps through responsive polymers. The dual-responsive behavior of the copolymers, achieved by controlling the oxidative and pH conditions, allows for predictable changes in the reflective peaks of the photonic crystals. This research contributes to the development of dual-responsive PC sensors.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Bowen Zhao, Jiajia Li, Zhuang Li, Xia Lin, Xiangqiang Pan, Zhengbiao Zhang, Jian Zhu
Summary: In this study, a photoinduced free radical-promoted cationic reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization method was developed for 3D printing. The polymerization mechanism and the effects of each component on the properties of the materials were investigated. Additionally, polymer welding of the printed objects was achieved, expanding the possibilities for postprinting and future applications.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Xia Lin, Jiajia Li, Na Li, Xiangqiang Pan, Zhengbiao Zhang, Jian Zhu
Summary: In this study, a facile method to overcome the limitation of preparing poly(vinyl ether)s was reported. This was achieved by exploiting the selective addition reaction to produce PVEs with pendent vinyl groups or end-functionalized PVEs. Furthermore, brush polymers and core cross-linked star polymers were successfully prepared using end-functionalized PVEs as macromonomers, providing a general method for the preparation of topological polymers.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Dong Xing, Jiajia Li, Miao Chen, Na Li, Xiangqiang Pan, Zhengbiao Zhang, Jian Zhu
Summary: Light-regulated polymerization has been utilized to control the polymerization process. However, controlling the polymer molecular weight distribution (MWD) using light has not been well-developed. This study presents a convenient approach to control MWD in reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization by utilizing an ultraviolet light-induced RAFT-hetero-Diels-Alder (RAFT-HDA) reaction with a photoenol diene.
JOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Bowen Zhao, Jiajia Li, Guangliang Li, Xinrui Yang, Shaopu Lu, Xiangqiang Pan, Jian Zhu
Summary: The application of reversible deactivation radical polymerization techniques in 3D printing allows for the creation of living polymer networks with various functionalities. However, the speed at which these systems can build objects is still limited. This article presents a digital light processing (DLP)-based 3D printing system that uses photoinduced free radical-promoted cationic reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization of vinyl ethers to build living objects at a relatively fast speed (12.99 cm h(-1)) using a commercial DLP 3D printer. The polymerization behavior and printing conditions are studied, and the livingness of the printed objects is demonstrated through spatially controlled postmodification with a fluorescent monomer.
Article
Polymer Science
Yingying Li, Xiaoliang Ma, Jiandong Zhang, Xiangqiang Pan, Na Li, Gaojian Chen, Jian Zhu
Summary: Developing biodegradable cationic polymers with high antibacterial efficiency and low cytotoxicity is essential for biological applications. This study successfully combined selenium with biodegradability, synthesizing selenide-functionalized polycaprolactones with excellent antibacterial activity and biocompatibility. Films with good antibacterial activity were also prepared.
Article
Polymer Science
Sisi Chen, Mengyao Zhang, Qingyuan Li, Jiachen Li, Shengpeng Wu, Jian Zhou, Guoqing Jin, Zhengbiao Zhang, Xiangqiang Pan, Jian Zhu
Summary: Liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) are versatile polymer materials used in various applications, but the contradiction between reprogrammability and stable actuation performance remains a challenge. Introducing photoactivated dynamic covalent bonds (DCBs) into thermotropic LCEs can help address this issue. This study utilizes allyl selenide chemistry to achieve multiple network reconfigurations of LCEs under visible light conditions (405-450nm). The mild stimulation conditions and sustainable dynamic exchange capability offer great potential for the application and design of covalently adaptable LCEs.
Article
Polymer Science
Xia Lin, Qianxi Gu, Jiajia Li, Jian Zhu
Summary: In this study, a facile and robust method for living cationic polymerization using zinc wire as a catalyst precursor was developed. Well-defined poly(vinyl ether)s with various molecular weights and narrow molecular weight distributions were obtained at room temperature. The in situ generation of trace zinc ions was found to be the key to the mild conditions of the polymerization. The utilization of zinc wire offered advantages of reusability, easy separation, and low metal residue. Moreover, the method was successfully applied in continuous flow polymerization, showing potential for scalable and efficient industrial production under mild conditions.
Article
Polymer Science
Ming Liu, Sisi Chen, Xiaofang Lin, Hanliang He, Jie Gao, Yonghua Zhai, Yan Wu, Jian Zhu, Xiangqiang Pan
Summary: In this study, we established a method for modifying selenium-containing linear polymers using diselenide-yne chemistry, which allows the introduction of various functional groups and the control of functionalization degree. We also constructed versatile selenium-containing polymer brushes using the grafting from strategy. This research enriches the topological structures and functions of selenium-containing polymers.
