Article
Polymer Science
Uliana Nikulova, Anatoly E. Chalykh
Summary: The phase diagrams of PS-PVME system obtained through optical interferometry were presented, showing the influence of PS molecular weight on the position of the binodal curve dome and the critical point. Interaction parameters and their temperature dependences were calculated within the framework of Flory-Huggins theory, demonstrating the utility of the generalized temperature dependence of the parameter for modeling phase equilibrium. The generalized phase state diagram for the PS-PVME system, including both lower and upper critical solution temperatures, was calculated and constructed for the first time.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Thermodynamics
Marek Pyda, Marcin Skotnicki, Anna Czerniecka-Kubicka, Iwona Zarzyka
Summary: In this paper, the heat capacity of the liquid state above the glass transition temperature of poly(vinyl methyl ether) (PVME) was investigated. The experimental heat capacity was linked to molecular motions and calculated as the sum of vibrational, external, and conformational contributions. The results showed good agreement between computed and experimental data in the temperature range from 250 to 360 K.
THERMOCHIMICA ACTA
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Mun Suk Seong, Hyun Jung Yu, Seong Yong Ha, Won Seok Chang, Hyung-Ju Kim, Jong Suk Lee
Summary: In this study, highly CO2-permeable membranes were obtained by blending micellar-structured poly(poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether acrylate) (PPEGMEA) with poly(ether-block-amide) (Pebax). The blend membrane showed a significant enhancement in CO2 permeability while maintaining good CO2 selectivity and long-term separation performance.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Chang Liu, Xinhong Yu, Yinghan Li, Xinyue Zhao, Quan Chen, Yanchun Han
Summary: The flow-induced formation of crystalline precursors in entangled PVA aqueous solutions was investigated systematically. The precursors were stable at 25 degrees C but could be effectively removed by a secondary shear flow. The stress growth coefficient during the secondary shear flow indicated a structure similar to an associative network.
Article
Polymer Science
Karla F. Garcia-Verdugo, Andya J. Ramirez-Irigoyen, Monica Castillo-Ortega, Dora E. Rodriguez-Felix, Jesus M. Quiroz-Castillo, Judith Tanori-Cordova, Francisco Rodriguez-Felix, Antonio Ledezma-Perez, Teresa del Castillo-Castro
Summary: The study introduces a novel semi-interpenetrating polymer network (s-IPN) synthesized through an autoclaving process, avoiding toxic crosslinkers and enabling simultaneous sterilization. The PVA/COP/PVME hydrogel exhibits promising performance with its modified transition temperature, pH-dependent swelling kinetics, and sustained drug release behavior at different temperature and pH values. The s-IPN shows potential for various biomedical applications, particularly in controlled drug delivery in response to pH and temperature conditions.
MACROMOLECULAR RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jenet George, Vaidyanathan Vinoth Kumar
Summary: In this study, a novel polymeric hybrid membrane was designed for the efficient filtration of toxic pentachlorophenol (PCP) from water by incorporating a sustainable additive, poly (methyl vinyl ether maleic anhydride) (PMVEAMA), into poly (ether-ether sulfone) (PEES) polymer. The addition of PMVEAMA significantly influenced the membrane's morphology, structure, porosity, water content, and flux performance. The PMVEAMA concentration showed positive effects on pore formation, hydrophilicity, surface roughness, fouling reduction, and permeability improvement. The PEES/PMVEAMA membrane exhibited enhanced antifouling properties and permeability, making it a potential candidate for water purification applications.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Zhenjie Zhang, Shengjie Guo, Ke Wang, Qin Zhang, Qiang Fu
Summary: Understanding the viscous behavior of concentrated PVA solutions is important for PVA solution fabrication. However, previous studies have paid less attention to the fluidity of PVA solutions under severe conditions. In this study, we used a hydrothermal kettle with an online viscometer to track the changes in apparent viscosity of PVA solutions under high temperature, high concentration, and large polymerization degree. The activation free energy of viscous flow was deduced, and it was found that it remained constant regardless of changes in concentration and polymerization degree. Additionally, contour plots were used to illustrate the development trend of fluidity under different external conditions. Clarifying the effect of concentration, temperature, polymerization degree, and viscosity on PVA solution flow may guide the preparation of PVA films. The results of this study are helpful for PVA fabrications that require precise control of solution flowability.
Article
Polymer Science
Zhengli Peng, Mo Zhu, Jinxian Yang, Lianwei Li
Summary: This study systematically investigated the effects of PEG molar mass and solution concentration on the thermal response behavior of methyl cellulose (MC) aqueous solutions. The results demonstrate the impact of PEG chain length on the stabilization and extension of formed MC fibers.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jenet George, Maheswari Purushothaman, Isita Singh, Ishani Singh, Vinoth Kumar Vaidyanathan
Summary: The ultrafiltration membrane made of PEES/PVP/n-TiO2 demonstrated higher hydrophilicity and fouling resistance, effectively removing various organic compounds from aqueous solution. By adding PVP, the membrane pure water flux was significantly improved, with the membrane containing 5% PVP being recommended as optimal.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Ya-Chen Chuang, Yu-Chia Chang, Meng-Tzu Tsai, Ting-Wei Yang, Meng-Tse Huang, Shao-Hua Wu, Chi Wang
Summary: The phase diagram of a polymer solution can determine its electrospinnability and transition temperatures. Low-temperature electrospinning can successfully produce uniform nanofibers, while electrospinning within a specific temperature range is feasible, but it becomes problematic at higher temperatures due to the enhanced gel elasticity.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Longhui Li, Mengyuan Zhou, Ruoyu Xiong, Xuyang Wang, Guancheng Shen, Shuang Sun, Yifu Chen, Tianlun Huang, Huamin Zhou, Yun Zhang
Summary: The study presents a high-safety lithium-ion battery separator with a thermal shutdown function to prevent thermal runaway. The separator is fabricated through dip-coating and thermally induced phase separation, and exhibits improved ionic conductivity and discharge capacity compared to commercial polyolefin separators. The EVA/PEEK/EVA separator ensures the safety of LIBs without sacrificing electrochemical performance.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Yi-ming Wang, Wei You, Wei Yu
Summary: The phase separation of PMMA/PVAc/SiO2 blends was investigated, and the effect of nanoparticles on phase separation behavior was analyzed. Strong inter-molecular interaction between PMMA and PVAc was found, and the addition of nano-silica changed the inter-molecular interaction between the two polymers. The distribution of nanoparticles was determined by the phase separation mechanism, Brownian motion of nanoparticles, and dynamic adsorption and desorption of polymer chains on the surface of nanoparticles.
ACTA POLYMERICA SINICA
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Shinji Sugihara, Ryuya Kawakami, Satoshi Irie, Yasushi Maeda
Summary: This study utilized PDEGV for RAFT aqueous emulsion polymerization of vinyl acetate, successfully producing particles with different morphologies. By developing a phase diagram, the precise prediction of particle morphologies was achieved.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Thuong Thi Nguyen, Bich Ngoc Hoang, Thuan Van Tran, Dai Van Nguyen, Duy Nguyen Trinh, Dai-Viet N. Vo
Summary: The study introduced a method of preparing AMP-MMT composites for dye adsorption, exhibiting high adsorption capacity, recyclability, and potential application in water purification. The mechanisms, operating parameters, and performance of the composite membrane were investigated, providing insights into eco-friendly and biodegradable materials for environmental protection.
SURFACES AND INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Lin-Fei Chen, Ying Chen, You-Yu Duan, Man-Man Zhang, Pei-Yao Xu, Ranjith Kumar Kankala, Shi-Bin Wang, Ai-Zheng Chen
Summary: This study demonstrated the fabrication of ARI and PVMMA composite nanoparticles using the supercritical antisolvent process. The PA NPs showed improved water-solubility and curative anti-depressant effects compared to free ARI. In vitro and in vivo experiments showed that PA NPs significantly inhibited inflammation and improved depression-like behavior induced by LPS. The PA NPs designed by the SAS process might provide a candidate for developing new ARI-based nano-formulations.
REGENERATIVE BIOMATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Zdenek Krtous, Lenka Hanykova, Ivan Krakovsky, Daniil Nikitin, Pavel Pleskunov, Ondrej Kylian, Jana Sedlarikova, Jaroslav Kousal
Summary: Plasma polymer films are typically composed of very short fragments of the precursor molecules, which limits their applicability in cases where longer molecular structures need to be retained. Plasma-assisted vapour thermal deposition (PAVTD) overcomes this limitation by using classical bulk polymers as precursors, allowing for tunable molecular structures. The PLA-like films produced in this study demonstrate the ability of PAVTD to bridge the gap between classical and plasma polymers.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
David Miklik, S. Fatemeh Mousavi, Zuzana Buresova, Anna Middleton, Yoshitaka Matsushita, Jan Labuta, Aisha Ahsan, Luiza Buimaga-Iarinca, Paul A. Karr, Filip Bures, Gary J. Richards, Pavel Svec, Toshiyuki Mori, Katsuhiko Ariga, Yutaka Wakayama, Cristian Morari, Francis D'Souza, Thomas A. Jung, Jonathan P. Hill
Summary: This study reports on pyrazinacenes in acenes and azaacenes, comparing their properties/functions at different oxidation states. Experimental and theoretical studies show that these compounds are stable against oxidation but unstable against reduction, providing a rich model case for understanding the properties of a redox-switchable pi-electronic system in solution and at interfaces. Acenes and azaacenes are promising classes of organic materials with distinctive electronic and optical properties.
COMMUNICATIONS CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Kalathil K. Kartha, Atsuro Takai, Zdenek Futera, Jan Labuta, Masayuki Takeuchi
Summary: The study demonstrates the reversible diastereomeric interconversion of a molecular rotor composed of overcrowded butterfly-shape alkene, revealing the interconversion between chiral trans-FDF and meso cis-FDF forms with varying temperatures and solvents. The analysis of free energy profile of rotational motion shows a bimodal shape with unevenly positioned maxima. Additionally, the study found moderate correlations between the trans-FDF/cis-FDF ratio and solvent parameters such as refractive index, polarizability, and viscosity.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Jan Labuta, Shinsuke Ishihara, Daniel T. Payne, Kazuyoshi Takimoto, Hisako Sato, Lenka Hanykova, Katsuhiko Ariga, Jonathan P. Hill
Summary: Chiral molecules have non-superimposable enantiomers, making it difficult to determine enantiomeric excess using NMR spectroscopy. However, adding a symmetrical prochiral molecule to a chiral analyte solution can help estimate ee through host-guest complex interactions. This method, using prochiral solvating agents, allows for the estimation of ee in chiral guests without chiral factors present in the NMR technique.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
J. Hynek, D. T. Payne, M. K. Chahal, F. Sciortino, Y. Matsushita, L. K. Shrestha, K. Ariga, J. Labuta, Y. Yamauchi, J. P. Hill
Summary: This study presents a new class of porous coordination polymers containing oxoporphyrinogen, which exhibit high quantum yields of singlet oxygen generation and large surface areas. These materials are effective for the selective oxidation of sulfides to sulfoxides and demonstrate superior singlet oxygen generation performance compared to the precursors and a reported reference material.
MATERIALS TODAY CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Organic
Jonathan P. Hill, Paul A. Karr, Roxanne A. Zuniga Uy, Navaneetha K. Subbaiyan, Zdenek Futera, Katsuhiko Ariga, Shinsuke Ishihara, Jan Labuta, Francis D'Souza
Summary: This review summarizes the interactions between oxoporphyrinogen type host compounds and different analyte species using computational methods. The research provides valuable insights for the development of optical sensors.
CURRENT ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Daniel T. Payne, Jan Hynek, Jan Labuta, Jonathan P. Hill
Summary: This article reports on the use of TEG(12)PH(2) as an 'omnisoluble' reference for the estimation of singlet oxygen (O-1(2)) generation quantum yield (Phi(SO)). TEG(12)PH(2) is highly soluble and exhibits excellent yield in various solvents.
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Organic
Daniel T. Payne, Jan Labuta, Zdenek Futera, Vaclav Brezina, Lenka Hanykova, Mandeep K. Chahal, Jonathan P. Hill
Summary: The research investigates the molecular single stator-double rotor activity of an oxidized resorcinarene macrocycle, showing that the rotation rates of phenol moieties can be controlled through temperature, solvent polarity, and medium acidity. This study indicates the potential for estimating solution acidity using a molecular mechanical model and provides insight into modulating rotor activity in molecular machines.
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY FRONTIERS
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Nadiia Velychkivska, Ondrej Sedlacek, Anastasiia B. Shatan, Monika Spasovova, Sergey K. Filippov, Mandeep K. Chahal, Larisa Janisova, Jiri Brus, Lenka Hanykova, Jonathan P. Hill, Francoise M. Winnik, Jan Labuta
Summary: Star-shaped porphyrin-PNIPAM(4) (PP) conjugates with four PNIPAM arms connected to a central tetraphenylporphyrin unit were synthesized and their temperature-induced phase-separation behavior was investigated. Compared to PNIPAM homopolymers, the shorter PNIPAM arms of PP conjugates led to a lower phase-separation temperature. Additionally, the size of the cooperative domain of PP was found to be concentration-dependent.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Olha Purikova, Ihor Tkachenko, Bretislav Smid, Katerina Veltruska, Thu Ngan Dinhova, Maryna Vorokhta, Vladimir Kopecky, Lenka Hanykova, Xiaohui Ju
Summary: Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) with a reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive nanogate have been extensively studied for biomedical applications. However, the current physical blockage methods used to control release are limited by their sealing ability and biocompatibility. In this study, researchers propose a design of free-blockage MSNs with methylthiopropyl units as ROS-responsive switches. By optimizing synthetic pathways, the quantity, localization, and chemical structure of the functional units, as well as the mesoporous structure of the silica, can be controlled to obtain desired products. The ROS-responsive methylthiopropyl groups can be oxidized to sulfoxides in the presence of H2O2, leading to the hydrophobic/hydrophilic conversion of the MSNs. As a proof-of-concept, ultrasmall cerium oxide nanoparticles are encapsulated into the functionalized MSNs and released within a short time period, effectively scavenging ROS. This study presents a novel design for a ROS-controlled release system, which can potentially be used in targeted drug delivery combined with antioxidant therapy.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mandeep K. Chahal, Subrata Maji, Anuradha Liyanage, Yoshitaka Matsushita, Pelin Tozman, Daniel T. Payne, Wipakorn Jevasuwan, Naoki Fukata, Paul A. Karr, Jan Labuta, Lok Kumar Shrestha, Shinsuke Ishihara, Katsuhiko Ariga, Francis D'Souza, Genki Yoshikawa, Yusuke Yamauchi, Jonathan P. Hill
Summary: The researchers reported that a non-planar saddle-shaped N-heterocycle-fused metallo-porphyrinoid can directly form a persistent microporous crystalline material from solution, which can undergo solvent exchange without loss of microporosity. The material is formed by a unique accumulation of intermolecular interactions involving pi-pi stacking of the fused heterocycle, coordinative interactions at the metalloporphyrinoid unit, and hydrogen bonding. This intermolecular multipoint interaction concept will be key in the future molecular design for on-demand synthesis of porous materials, and the simple implementation of the compound described here indicates the excellent potential for device materials' synthesis. Sensing properties of the material incorporated into a nanomechanical sensor array are also reported.
MATERIALS CHEMISTRY FRONTIERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mandeep K. Chahal, Masato Sumita, Jan Labuta, Daniel T. Payne, Jonathan P. Hill, Yusuke Yamauchi, Takashi Nakanishi, Takeshi Tanaka, Hiromichi Kataura, Kenji Koga, Hiroyuki Miyamura, Yoshihiro Kon, Dachao Hong, Shinsuke Ishihara
Summary: This study reports a chemiresistive sensor array composed of modified hydroxylamine salts and single-walled carbon nanotubes that can selectively detect formaldehyde vapor. By screening different types of salts, an ideal sensor array has been identified that can clearly discriminate trace amounts of formaldehyde from acetaldehyde. This system offers portable and reliable chemical sensors for advanced environmental monitoring and healthcare applications.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Kazuyoshi Takimoto, Takumi Shimada, Kazuhiko Nagura, Jonathan P. Hill, Takashi Nakanishi, Hidetaka Yuge, Shinsuke Ishihara, Jan Labuta, Hisako Sato
Summary: This study reports a butyl-benzo[h]quinoline-based iridium(III) complex that forms a homochiral dimer at low temperatures and exhibits thermo-/mechano-chromism. The analysis reveals a strong preference for homochiral dimerization and connected thermo-/mechano-chromic behavior in the complex.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Julie Stastna, Vladislav Ivaniuzhenkov, Lenka Hanykova
Summary: The combination of swelling experiments and NMR spectroscopy was used to investigate the sensitivity of hydrogels with a single- and double-network structure to various stimuli. The behavior of the double network was found to be significantly affected by the introduction of the second component and the formation of the interpenetrating structure.
