Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Keita Yoshida, Jia-Fu Chang, Chu-Chen Chueh, Tomoya Higashihara
Summary: Inorganic nanoparticles hybridized with p-conjugated polymers through ligand exchange reactions show good dispersibility in organic solvents, with unique spectral and microscopic characteristics contributing to improved power conversion efficiency in photovoltaic applications.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yu Tokita, Tatsuya Uchida, Takeru Kamigawara, Kenta Hoka, Reo Nitto, Yoshihiro Ohta, Tsutomu Yokozawa
Summary: This study successfully introduced various functional groups at both ends of P3HT polymer through successive catalyst-transfer condensation polymerization and coupling reactions in one pot, and synthesized a polymer with a base-sensitive functional group.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yu Tokita, Tatsuya Uchida, Takeru Kamigawara, Kenta Hoka, Reo Nitto, Yoshihiro Ohta, Tsutomu Yokozawa
Summary: In this study, polymeric materials with functional groups at both ends were synthesized via successive Kumada catalyst-transfer polycondensation and Suzuki coupling reaction in one pot, expanding the synthetic methods for functionalized polymers.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Crystallography
Jin Motoyanagi, Ayane Fujishima, Masahiko Minoda
Summary: This study investigates a new amphipathic poly(vinyl ether) with an SP moiety, exploring its photoresponsive properties and the control of self-assembly through photoirradiation.
Article
Polymer Science
Liuyong Zhu, Jingqing Li, Hongfei Li, Binyuan Liu, Jizhong Chen, Shichun Jiang
Summary: The topology of polymer chains, including entanglement loops, tie molecules, and end groups, plays a crucial role in polymer crystallization. In this study, low molecular weight poly(epsilon-caprolactone)s (PCL) with different end groups (phenyl, naphthyl, and anthracenyl) were synthesized to avoid entanglement. The crystallization behavior of these PCLs was investigated using various techniques, and the rheology property of the PCL melts was characterized. The results showed that the size of the end groups inversely influenced the spherulite growth rate and crystallization half-time, with the largest end group leading to the slowest growth rate and longest half-time. However, the effect of naphthyl and phenyl on the crystallization rate was similar. Rheology results revealed that naphthyl modified PCL had lower viscosity due to its compatibility with PCL. Interestingly, regardless of the end groups, the spherulite growth rate and crystallization half-time showed the same behavior when plotted against supercooling, suggesting that the conformation changes during crystallization were consistent for polymer chains with different end groups. Moreover, simultaneous SAXS/WAXS investigations on the heating samples with different end groups after isothermal crystallization showed doubled lamellar thickness during melting, possibly indicating a transition from folded chains to extended chains in the dynamic favored metastable structures.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Benjamin Nketia-Yawson, Hyungju Ahn, Jea Woong Jo
Summary: This study investigates the effect of ion-embedded organic semiconductors on charge carrier mobility in organic transistors. The results show that different ion concentrations and electrolyte dielectrics can influence carrier mobility.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Dayanne Diniz de Souza Morais, Carlos Bruno Barreto Luna, Elieber Barros Bezerra, Danyelle Campos de Franca, Edcleide Maria Araujo, Emanuel Pereira do Nascimento, Amanda Dantas de Oliveira, Tomas Jefferson Alves de Melo
Summary: In this study, different copolymers were used to compatibilize PS/PCL blends, and the properties of the blends were evaluated using various testing methods. The results showed that the glycidyl methacrylate functional groups and maleic anhydride functional groups interacted with PCL, improving the performance of the blends.
Article
Polymer Science
Natalia Smigiel-Gac, Anna Smola-Dmochowska, Henryk Janeczek, Piotr Dobrzynski
Summary: The article presents the synthesis and characteristics of amphiphilic block terpolymers consisting of a hydrophilic polyesteramine block and hydrophobic blocks made of lactidyl and glycolidyl units. These terpolymers were obtained through copolymerization of L-lactide with glycolide using macroinitiators with protected amine and hydroxyl groups. The terpolymers were designed to have biodegradability, biocompatibility, antibacterial properties, and high surface wettability by water. The properties of the terpolymers, such as molecular mass, contact angle, crystallinity, and melting behavior, were evaluated using various tests.
Article
Polymer Science
Mark Clyde Staub, Shichen Yu, Christopher Yuren Li
Summary: This study reports the fabrication of polymer crystalsomes formed by 1D polymer crystals. P3HT crystalsomes were successfully prepared using a miniemulsion solution crystallization method, and their properties were examined through microscopy and diffraction experiments. The results reveal curvature-dependent structural, thermal, and electro-optical properties of P3HT crystalsomes.
MACROMOLECULAR RAPID COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Jing Liu, Sijia Gao, Ying Luo, Chunpeng Zhang, Pengliang Zhang, Zilin Wang, Lei Zou, Zhuo Zhao, Yongjun Zhang
Summary: A glucose-sensitive membrane with PBA-based contraction-type amphiphilic block copolymer was constructed through NIPS method. The membrane showed glucose-sensitive insulin release behavior in SBF and FBS, and exhibited good antifouling properties and biocompatibility.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Qian Wang, Limei Sheng, Xuan Guo, Rong Chen, Chengjie Zhou, Fu Yang
Summary: This paper presents the use of functional polymers as carriers for enzymes and noble metals in the DKR reaction. By modulating the weak forces of the polymers, the catalysts exhibited synergistic effects and long-term stability, leading to high conversion and optical purity of the products. Furthermore, the catalysts could be easily recovered and recycled with high efficiency.
APPLIED CATALYSIS A-GENERAL
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Eri Oishi, Masumi Takamura, Tatsuhiro Takahashi
Summary: The study focused on the influence of a long alkyl end group on the thermal and structural properties of RAFT-polymerized PSA, revealing that the long alkyl group from TTC decreases the melting point and semi-crystalline structure in the case of low molecular weight PSA.
Article
Polymer Science
Kei-ichiro Sato, Yudai Hemmi, Aoto Kato, Hiroyuki Matsui, Keita Fuchise, Tomoya Higashihara
Summary: In this study, multiblock copolymers consisting of PDMS, NDI, and bithiophene units were successfully synthesized, and different materials with varying PDMS compositions were obtained. The multiblock copolymer with 10% PDMS showed typical n-type semiconducting behavior.
Article
Polymer Science
Sanhanut Kesornsit, Chatrawee Direksilp, Katesara Phasuksom, Natlita Thummarungsan, Phimchanok Sakunpongpitiporn, Kornkanok Rotjanasuworapong, Anuvat Sirivat, Sumonman Niamlang
Summary: Poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) was synthesized by chemical oxidative polymerization using ferric chloride (FeCl3) as the oxidizing agent and various surfactants as shape templates. The effects of mole ratios, polymerization times, and surfactant types and concentrations on the electrical conductivity and particle properties were investigated. The results showed that P3HT synthesized with dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid (DBSA) at Critical Micelle Concentration (CMC) 6 had the highest electrical conductivity and particle size of 1530 +/- 227 nm. The thermal analysis revealed that surfactant-synthesized P3HT had higher stability and char yields. The electrical conductivity of DBSA-synthesized P3HT was further enhanced by doping with HClO4.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Zhijun Zhou, Peilu Zhang, Yuqing Chang, Xiaochun Chen
Summary: With the increasing awareness of environmental protection, the removal of H2S from natural gas has become an important area of research. In this study, three types of multi-amino functionalized ionic liquids (MFILs) were synthesized and tested for their solubility and removal efficiency of H2S. One type of MFIL, [DETAH][Im], showed remarkable solubility and removal efficiency, making it a promising absorbent for sweetening natural gas.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Tomoya Higashihara, Mao-Chun Fu, Kouji Hatakeyama, Shinji Ando, Ryosuke Takahashi, Mitsuru Ueda
Summary: The design, synthesis, and optical characterization of refractive-index-contrast (RIC) triazine-based poly(phenylene sulfide)s (PPSs) were investigated, leading to the successful synthesis of novel PPSs with two different pendant groups. PPS-2CA exhibited high refractive index values and increased delta n values by deprotecting PPS-2E.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Po-Shen Lin, Yamato Shoji, Shakil N. Afraj, Mitsuru Ueda, Ching-Hsuan Lin, Shin Inagaki, Taiki Endo, Shih-Huang Tung, Ming-Chou Chen, Cheng-Liang Liu, Tomoya Higashihara
Summary: Regioregular polythiophenes have been widely used in organic electronic applications due to their solution processability with chemical modification through side chain engineering, as well as their microstructural organization and good hole transport properties. The introduction of alkylthio side chains showed improved crystallinity and charge mobility in polythiophene semiconductors, with branched side chains helping to solve the issue of low regioregularity and enhancing the overall performance of OFET devices.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Keita Yoshida, Jia-Fu Chang, Chu-Chen Chueh, Tomoya Higashihara
Summary: Inorganic nanoparticles hybridized with p-conjugated polymers through ligand exchange reactions show good dispersibility in organic solvents, with unique spectral and microscopic characteristics contributing to improved power conversion efficiency in photovoltaic applications.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Kosuke Terayama, Chuan-Wen Liu, Tomoya Higashihara
Summary: The study revealed that incorporating ester-carbonyl group into aromatic dibromo monomers is a key molecular design strategy to realize an efficient intramolecular Pd(0) catalyst-transfer system for the polymerization process.
Article
Polymer Science
Keita Yoshida, Jia-Fu Chang, Chu-Chen Chueh, Tomoya Higashihara
Summary: In this study, a new organic-inorganic hybrid material, PNDI-SH:PbS-QD, was synthesized and characterized. Although it showed good properties, the overall photovoltaic performance as a polymer acceptor was inferior due to downshifted energy levels and unfavorable morphology.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Wei-Chen Yang, Yan-Cheng Lin, Shin Inagaki, Hiroya Shimizu, Ender Ercan, Li-Che Hsu, Chu-Chen Chueh, Tomoya Higashihara, Wen-Chang Chen
Summary: In this study, polymer materials were used to simulate neural processes in a photosynaptic transistor, achieving excellent features such as long-term and short-term memory, as well as ultra-low energy consumption. This work has significant implications for the development of artificial intelligence technology.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yan-Cheng Lin, Kosuke Terayama, Keita Yoshida, Ping-Jui Yu, Pin-Hsiang Chueh, Chu-Chen Chueh, Tomoya Higashihara, Wen-Chang Chen
Summary: D-A-type conjugated polymers (CPs) with diversified structure design can achieve intrinsic stretchability by applying sequential regularity control on the polymer backbone. The random structure of the CP shows near-amorphous morphology and comparable charge transport performance compared to the sequentially alternating structure. Moreover, the random CP exhibits strain-insensitive mobility-stretchability properties due to the successful percolation network of tie-chains.
MATERIALS CHEMISTRY FRONTIERS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Shin Inagaki, Yan-Cheng Lin, Hisakazu Tanaka, Tomoyuki Koganezawa, Wen-Chang Chen, Tomoya Higashihara
Summary: A novel A-b-(B-co-C)-type terpolymer was synthesized to address the issue of irreversible damage caused by stretching in organic semiconductors for wearable electronic devices. The terpolymer showed high stretchability, stable device performance, and stable bipolar charge trapping.
MATERIALS CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Kei-ichiro Sato, Yudai Hemmi, Aoto Kato, Hiroyuki Matsui, Keita Fuchise, Tomoya Higashihara
Summary: In this study, multiblock copolymers consisting of PDMS, NDI, and bithiophene units were successfully synthesized, and different materials with varying PDMS compositions were obtained. The multiblock copolymer with 10% PDMS showed typical n-type semiconducting behavior.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Taiki Endo, Tomoya Higashihara
Summary: Semiaromatic polyamides were synthesized by bulk polycondensation, and copolyamides were successfully obtained. The obtained polyamides had high inherent viscosity and good thermal stability, and some copolyamides were suitable for melt-drawing processes.
Article
Polymer Science
Wei-Chen Yang, Yi-Wen Chen, Yang-Yen Yu, Yan-Cheng Lin, Tomoya Higashihara, Wen-Chang Chen
Summary: This study develops a series of all-conjugated block copolymers and applies them to electronic memory devices, achieving good memory performance. The design of the all-conjugated block copolymers improves the memory-photoresponse properties in phototransistor memory and overcomes the issue of phase separation in conjugated polymer blends.
MACROMOLECULAR RAPID COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Review
Polymer Science
Megumi Matsuda, Kei-ichiro Sato, Kosuke Terayama, Yuto Ochiai, Kazushi Enomoto, Tomoya Higashihara
Summary: Researchers have developed a new type of intrinsically stretchable semiconducting material with good stress-releasing properties, which can be used for manufacturing wearable intelligent electronic devices. While there are already several stretchable p-type semiconducting polymers, studies on intrinsically stretchable n-type materials are still limited.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Shuto Yamamoto, Megumi Matsuda, Chia-Yu Lin, Kazushi Enomoto, Yan-Cheng Lin, Wen-Chang Chen, Tomoya Higashihara
Summary: In this study, the mobility-stretchability properties of n-type conjugated block copolymers were investigated. It was found that high PIB content can improve the elastic modulus and crystallinity of the polymers, leading to an improved retention rate of electron mobility.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Shin Inagaki, Tomoya Higashihara
Summary: A novel ABC-type triblock copolymer, consisting of PMMA, P3HT, and PS, was synthesized by the bilateral CuAAC reaction, resulting in a high yield.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yu-Cheng Tseng, Aoto Kato, Jia-Fu Chang, Wen-Chang Chen, Tomoya Higashihara, Chu-Chen Chueh
Summary: The development of single-component organic solar cells (SCOSCs) using only one photoactive component with a chemically bonded D/A structure has attracted increasing research attention. In this study, we synthesized a D-A all-conjugated polymers based on an n-type PNDI2T block and a p-type PBDB-T donor block but with three different segment ratios (P1-P3) and demonstrate the significance of the D/A segment ratio on photovoltaic performance. The results show that the n-type PNDI2T block plays a critical role in the inter/intra-chain charge transfer, and SCOSC based on P1 exhibits the highest power conversion efficiency among the synthesized CBCs.