Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Bo Tong, Guijie Guo, Xiangyunxiu Meng, Peng Bai, Jiafei Lyu, Xianghai Guo
Summary: "In this study, the effects of a series of MOFs on the adsorption and separation of lithium isotopes were investigated. Seven kinds of MOF were prepared, and the characterization studies of MIL-100(Fe) before and after adsorption showed potential chemical interaction between Fe and Li. The influence of metal ions, counter-ions and solvents on the adsorption capacity and separation factor was examined. The maximum separation factor reached 1.048 +/- 0.001. MIL-100(Fe) also exhibited good regeneration performance."
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Daniel M. Day, Lian R. Hutchings
Summary: A series of polyisoprene-block-poly(methyl methacrylate) block copolymers self-assemble in aliphatic hydrocarbon solvents, forming varying nanostructures such as spherical micelles, wormlike micelles or vesicles. The self-assembly behavior is dependent on the molar mass and composition of the block copolymers, allowing for the construction of phase-diagrams. The resulting structures exhibit thermal responsiveness and may undergo morphological changes upon heating.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Muhammad Asif Iqbal, Toheed Akhter, Muhammad Faheem, Asif Mahmood, Waheed Al-Masry, Sohail Nadeem, Sadaf Ul Hassan, Chan Ho Park
Summary: We synthesized a thermoresponsive polymer with a narrow molecular weight distribution using organic photo-redox-catalyzed atom transfer radical polymerization (O-ATRP). The O-ATRP was mediated by a photoredox catalyst 1,2,3,5-tetrakis (carbazol-9-yl)-4,6-dicyanobenzene (4CzIPN) under visible light irradiation. The polymerization of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) chains from a hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC)-based macroinitiator was characterized using various analytical methods. The resulting PMMA-grafted HPC (PMMA-g-HPC) showed a widened lower critical solution temperature (LCST) window and an inverse pH dependency of the LCST, making it promising for various applications including drug delivery systems.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Wenli Liu, Qizhi Yang, Yili Yang, Feiyue Xing, Pu Xiao
Summary: In this study, narrowly distributed PMMAs with AIE properties were successfully prepared using a novel AIE-based initiator under mild conditions. The use of air-stable copper(II) bromide/TPMA photocatalyst led to high efficiency of initiation and low dispersity of the obtained PMMAs. The fluorescent intensity of TPE-PMMAs was found to increase with molecular weights, and they could also be employed to detect changes in solution viscosity, demonstrating potential for synthesizing functional sensors.
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Stanislaw Sosnowski, Ryszard Szymanski, Francesca Lorandi, Mateusz Olszewski, Julian Sobieski, Rongguan Yin, Michael R. Bockstaller, Krzysztof Matyjaszewski
Summary: Numerical simulations showed that statistical copolymers with 1:1 BA/MMA composition have the highest contribution of alternating sequences, while batch ATRP of a 1:1 BA/MMA mixture generates gradient copolymers with diminished fraction of alternating sequences. A method for preparing statistical BA/MMA copolymers with the highest fraction of alternating sequences through normal ATRP copolymerization with MMA feeding was proposed to maximize the amount of alternating sequences in the copolymers.
Article
Polymer Science
Yingyu Zhou, Qiang Hu, Wenqing Wang, Rui Wang
Summary: Polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS)-functionalized polyglycidyl methacrylate (PGMA) coatings were synthesized to impart flame retardancy and smoke suppression properties to polyester fabrics. The POSS grafting increased the graphitization degree of the char, forming a firm graphite char layer that prevented gas release and oxygen entry. In addition, the presence of the POSS layer reduced the release of CO and H2O during fabric pyrolysis and generated more inert gases, slowing down the combustion process.
POLYMER DEGRADATION AND STABILITY
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Julian Sobieski, Sajjad Dadashi Silab, Lucas Thevenin, Krzysztof Matyjaszewski, Christophe Fliedel, Rinaldo Poli
Summary: The termination processes of the tertiary carbomethoxyisopropylradical, (COOMe)Me2C & BULL;, were investigated by H-1 NMR. The investigation assessed the contributions of the Cu-I/L-catalyzed radical termination (CRT) and the reductive radical termination (RRT) to the spontaneous bimolecular radical terminations (RT). It also reassessed the product distribution for the RT of the diffused and caged radicals obtained from the thermal activation of V-601.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yuyang Guo, Yu Zou, Jiang Jiang
Summary: Cu(i) species are (re)generated via photo-redox reactions, and the polymerization degree and molecular weight can be regulated by controlling the rate of plasmonic hot carrier extraction.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Hugo Fouilloux, Christophe M. Thomas
Summary: This study successfully prepared highly active in situ ate complexes using commercial reagents for the room temperature anionic polymerization of methyl methacrylate. These complexes also showed the ability to polymerize roclactide and form block copolymers.
Article
Polymer Science
Hanyu Lv, Jiaqi An, Fanfan Li, Yanwu Zhang
Summary: Reversible deactivation radical polymerization (RDRP) is a convenient and efficient technique for synthesizing polymers with precise structure. dl-Methionine is assessed as a control agent in RDRP of styrene and methyl methacrylate, effectively reducing polymer dispersity. The use of dl-Methionine allows for high end fidelities in the synthesis of polymethyl methacrylate-block-polystyrene.
MACROMOLECULAR RAPID COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Review
Polymer Science
Rongguan Yin, Zongyu Wang, Michael R. Bockstaller, Krzysztof Matyjaszewski
Summary: ATRP is a powerful method for synthesizing polymers with controlled molecular weight, dispersity, and block copolymer formation, leading to unique microstructures and properties. Tuning the dispersity of polymer brushes can result in hybrid materials with special properties.
Article
Polymer Science
Yusuke Mizuta, Kazuya Kobiro, Nagatoshi Nishiwaki, Ryuichi Sugimoto
Summary: The successful tributylborane-initiated graft polymerization of methyl methacrylate on a poly(vinylidene fluoride) film is reported. The reaction is affected by the temperature and concentration of tributylborane, and a graft yield of 41% is achieved under optimized conditions. This method allows modifications only on the film surface, leading to the addition of new physical properties such as hydrophilicity.
Article
Polymer Science
Christopher B. Keller, Susan E. Walley, Curtis W. Jarand, Jibao He, Muhammad Ejaz, Daniel A. Savin, Scott M. Grayson
Summary: By grafting linear-bottlebrush amphiphilic copolymers onto the surface of silica nanoparticles, nanoparticle micelles with the ability to encapsulate and stabilize non-polar structures in aqueous media were successfully formed. These nanoparticles not only enhance oil encapsulation, but also provide an alternative dispersant system to address oil pollution in the environment.
Article
Polymer Science
Izabela Zaborniak, Malgorzata Sroka, Pawel Chmielarz
Summary: Controlled radical polymerization techniques are widely used in polymer chemistry. The use of lemon extract in the polymerization of DMAEMA allows for accelerated synthesis and well-defined PDMAEMA structures. This method offers advantages such as a simple reaction setup, no need for laboratory-grade reducing agents, and environmentally friendly synthesis.
Article
Polymer Science
Yixin Xiang, Jiangang Gao, Xianrong Shen
Summary: In this study, ethyl lactate was explored as a green solvent for iron(III)-catalyzed activators generated by electron transfer atom transfer radical polymerizations of methyl methacrylate. The effects of solvent amount and type were investigated, and most of the systems exhibited typical features of reversible deactivation radical polymerization. The controlled polymerization of methyl methacrylate using ethyl lactate as solvent and ligand was demonstrated through first-order kinetic plot, low polymer dispersity, increased polymer molecular weight with monomer conversion, and chain extension experiments.
POLYMER SCIENCE SERIES B
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Xin Pan, Shubei Ma, Xiaowen Sui, Lili Xie, Furong Li, Zhengping Cheng, Li Cui, Hongling Zhao
Summary: This study investigated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the use of intravenous thrombolytic therapy (ITT) for acute ischemic stroke patients in Dalian, China in 2020. The results showed an increase in the number of patients receiving ITT in 2021 compared to 2020, along with a decrease in door-to-needle time. It was also found that in 2020, a significant number of patients did not use ambulance transport, while in 2021, a higher percentage of patients used ambulance transport.
Article
Polymer Science
Jiannan Cheng, Xiang Xu, Qing Yu, Chaojie Li, Weiwei He, Lifen Zhang, Zhenping Cheng
Summary: We report a facile method to synthesize graft copolymers with a semi-fluorinated alternating backbone via simultaneous CuAAC reaction and ATRP. The synthesis of fluorinated backbone from START polymerization can be introduced to the graft copolymers due to the powerful tolerance and designability of semi-fluorinated alternating copolymers. This strategy provides a new and facile approach for the synthesis of fluorinated graft copolymers under mild conditions.
Article
Polymer Science
Xiang Xu, Haihui Li, Jiannan Cheng, Lifen Zhang, Zhenping Cheng
Summary: We presented a near-infrared light-responsive hydrogel material composed of two monomers, an ionic liquid monomer (TVBP) and N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM), with a diacrylate crosslinker containing poly(propylene glycol), all of which are temperature sensitive. The ionic liquid monomer TVBP demonstrated the ability to generate high osmotic pressure, enabling the hydrogel to extract fresh water from brackish water. By using photothermal conversion through irradiation with NIR LED light on croconaine dye-doped silica nanoparticles (NIR-800@SiO2 NPs), around 95% of fresh water could be skillfully recovered from the hydrogel. The proposal of this scheme is expected to be a significant reference for continuous water desalination.
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
Jiyuan Sun, Shusu Ren, Haitao Zhao, Shunhu Zhang, Xiang Xu, Lifen Zhang, Zhenping Cheng
Summary: To overcome the challenges of long wavelength-photocontrolled radical polymerization in aqueous solutions and the limitations of post-treatment of conventional near-infrared (NIR) photocatalysts (PCs), we developed and synthesized a series of beta-tetra-substituted water-soluble zinc phthalocyanines (beta-TS-Zns) as NIR PCs. These NIR PCs exhibited efficient reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization under NIR light irradiation, and could also be covalently loaded on polymer chains for permanent NIR photocatalysis. The polymerization could be conducted in water and phosphate buffer saline (PBS) solution, producing polymers with controlled molar mass and narrow dispersities (D = 1.03-1.25). This NIR-photocontrolled aqueous RAFT polymerization system holds promise for applications in tissue engineering biomaterials benefiting from the high penetration ability of NIR light.
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Shusu Ren, Haihui Li, Xiang Xu, Haitao Zhao, Weiwei He, Lifen Zhang, Zhenping Cheng
Summary: In this study, stable and powerful unimolecular micelles (UIMs) with dual PTT/PDT function were prepared by photocontrolled bromine-iodine transformation reversible-deactivation radical polymerization. These UIMs showed excellent biocompatibility and superior PTT and/or PDT therapeutic effects under specific wavelengths of light, making them promising candidates for cancer therapy and anti-tumor research.
BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Qing Yu, Jiannan Cheng, Xiang Xu, Yu Li, Chaojie Li, Weiwei He, Lifen Zhang, Zhenping Cheng
Summary: In this study, fluorinated macromolecular coupling agents were prepared and decorated on the surface of silica nanoparticles to create superhydrophobic coatings. The coatings exhibited excellent stability against acidic, basic, and high salty solutions, and demonstrated self-cleaning and oil/water separation capabilities. The findings have promising implications for practical applications on a large scale.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Shuaijie Chen, Minghui Yang, Haihui Li, Haitao Zhao, Xiang Xu, Weiwei He, Lifen Zhang, Zhenping Cheng
Summary: This work presents a facile and efficient strategy for preparing block copolymers by combining near-infrared light-controlled bromine-iodine transformation reversible-deactivation radical polymerization (BIT-RDRP) and purple LED light induced ring-opening polymerization (ROP). The macroinitiator was first synthesized via NIR light-controlled BIT-RDRP, and then the block copolymers with narrow dispersity (as low as 1.06) were prepared by combining purple LED light induced ROP through two step or one pot process. Importantly, the one pot strategy greatly simplifies the operation process and improves the synthesis efficiency, facilitating the batch preparation of block copolymers.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Haitao Zhao, Guoqing Bian, Xiang Xu, Ran Liu, Weiwei He, Lifen Zhang, Zhenping Cheng
Summary: In this study, a high-efficiency NIR-photocontrolled bromine-iodine transformation RDRP (BIT-RDRP) system was developed by using persistent radical anions (PRAs) as catalysts. The electron-deficient species NTCDA can be reduced to PRAs, which are activated by NIR light to initiate polymerizations. The catalytic system achieved a monomer conversion of over 97.0% within 180-240min, demonstrating controllable polymerization. Other types of PRA catalysts were also developed, confirming the catalytic mechanism. This study opens up a new direction for the further development of NIR-photocontrolled RDRP.
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
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Xiang Xu, Jiannan Cheng, Haitao Zhao, Weiwei He, Lifen Zhang, Zhenping Cheng
Summary: In this study, a hand-shaped actuator is developed by synthesizing near-infrared sensitive CR-vitrimers, which achieves local and sequential control under a uniform near-infrared light field.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Chaojie Li, Jiannan Cheng, Yi Zhang, Qing Yu, Zhiru Yuan, Weiwei He, Xiaoguang Bao, Lifen Zhang, Zhenping Cheng
Summary: Fluorinated polymers, although fascinating, have not been widely applied in daily life due to restricted synthetic methodology and limited availability of monomers. In this work, main-chain-type semifluorinated alternating terpolymers (SFATs) were synthesized using a step transfer-addition and radical-termination (START) polymerization strategy. The synthesis was achieved by irradiation with visible light at room temperature using NaI as the catalyst. The work provides a guide for the synthesis of a broad range of fluorinated polymers by increasing participating monomers and facilitating the integration of desirable properties.
Article
Polymer Science
Shuaijie Chen, Peng Wang, Haitao Zhao, Weiwei He, Lifen Zhang, Zhenping Cheng
Summary: This study developed a facile and efficient method for preparing grafted polyesters by combining photocontrolled BIT-RDRP and ROP in flow reactors at room temperature for the first time. Polymethacrylate macroinitiators were synthesized in the first tube and employed for TBD-catalyzed ROP in the second tube to provide tailored grafted polyesters. The use of flow tube reactors significantly improved the polymerization rates and allowed for the production of grafted polyesters with controlled molar mass and narrow dispersity.
Article
Polymer Science
Jiyuan Sun, Shusu Ren, Haitao Zhao, Shunhu Zhang, Xiang Xu, Lifen Zhang, Zhenping Cheng
Summary: To overcome the challenges of long wavelength-photocontrolled radical polymerization in aqueous solutions and the limitations of conventional near-infrared (NIR) photocatalysts, a series of beta-tetra-substituted water-soluble zinc phthalocyanines (beta-TS-Zns) were designed and synthesized as NIR photocatalysts for reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. The NIR photocatalysts can also be polymerizable monomers and covalently loaded on the polymer chains, enabling permanent NIR photocatalysis. The polymerization can be conducted in water and phosphate buffer saline (PBS) solution, producing polymers with controlled molar mass and narrow dispersities.
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.
