Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Fereshte Damavandi, Joao B. P. Soares
Summary: In this study, we designed and synthesized a thermoresponsive organogelator for oil gelling from oil/water mixtures, which plays a significant role in oil spill remediation. The gelators formed porous fibrillar structures with high stiffness, and the three-dimensional networks were created by hydrogen bonding and van der Waals forces. Poly(styrene-co-10-undecenoic acid) has the advantages of a straightforward synthesis procedure, room-temperature conditions, and easy powder delivery, making it an attractive alternative to existing oil spill response methods.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Kai Wang, Wannian Zhang, Na Liu, Dianwen Hu, Fang Yu, Yu-Peng He
Summary: In this study, a new lubricant additive, HMTA, was synthesized and applied to various types of lubricating oils. HMTA self-assembles into fibrous structures, enhancing the lubricating properties. The self-healing property of HMTA is driven by inter/intra-molecular hydrogen bonding interactions.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Saikat Kumar Panja, Soumen Patra, Braja Gopal Bag
Summary: Lupeol is a medicinally important triterpenoid that can self-assemble into supramolecular gels in various organic and aqueous-organic liquid mixtures. These gels exhibit capabilities in removing pollutants from water and releasing drugs, showcasing potential applications in environmental and pharmaceutical fields.
Article
Polymer Science
Jungju Ryu, Hoik Lee, Daun Seol, Ngoc Quang Nguyen, Hoeil Chung, Daewon Sohn
Summary: This study investigates the behavior of particles in crosslinking mechanisms and how they provide a polymer grafting platform through radical polymerization. The findings show that irregular polymer grafting of particles during gelation leads to the generation of multiple components, potentially resulting in inhomogeneities in the subsequent gels.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Ratthapit Wuttisarn, Kankavee Sukthavorn, Nollapan Nootsuwan, Chatchai Veranitisagul, Apirat Laobuthee
Summary: Novel additives with dual fluorescence and antibacterial properties, derived from benzoxazine monomers and poly(acrylic acid) (PAA), were prepared. The obtained PAA-g-BZXs exhibited good fluorescence and antibacterial activity, and showed high optical performance when used as additives in composite wires.
MATERIALS TODAY COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Yutaka Ohsedo, Mayumi Sasaki
Summary: In this study, a novel composite molecular hydrogel with improved gel-forming ability, mechanical properties, and electrochemical response was developed for potential applications as paintable electrode materials.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Sahar Mostafa Ahmed, Taisir Taha Khidr, Eman Saad Ali
Summary: The article discusses the impact of polymeric additives synthesized by chemical methods on the low-temperature flow properties of waxy crude oils. Through a series of experiments and analyses, the optimum pour point depression and crystal modification effects were determined.
JOURNAL OF DISPERSION SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Namon Hirun, Vimon Tantishaiyakul, Tanatchaporn Sangfai, Wannisa Boonlai, Siriwat Soontaranon, Supagorn Rugmai
Summary: Understanding temperature-dependent behaviors and structural evolution is crucial for the development of thermosensitive hydrogels. In this study, the effect of PAA concentration on the thermosensitive micellization, gelation, and structural evolution of PAA/PX gels was investigated. The presence of PAA influenced the intermicellar packing and modulated the gelation temperature, leading to a transition from a face-centered cubic (FCC) to a body-centered cubic (BCC) phase with increasing PAA concentration. The rheological and ordered structural properties of the PAA/PX gels at body temperature can be modulated by varying the concentration of PAA.
POLYMER INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zia Ahmad, Yun Li, Sajjad Ali, Jiajia Yang, Faheem Jan, Yun Fan, Xiaoyi Gou, Qingye Sun, Jiping Chen
Summary: Designing amidoxime-based adsorbents in a cooperative and synergistic manner, with supramolecular ionic-crosslinking and hydrogen bonding interactions, results in the construction of novel bifunctional poly(amidoxime)-alginate-poly(acrylic acid) (PAO-APAA) composite beads. These beads demonstrate high adsorption capacity for uranium from aqueous solution, excellent selectivity in seawater, and good mechanical and chemical stability, highlighting the importance of efficient sorbent material design for enhanced uranyl capture.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Marzieh Mirzamani, Arnab Dawn, Christopher J. Garvey, Lilin He, Hilmar Koerner, Harshita Kumari
Summary: This article presents a study on the process of supramolecular assembly. By using a slow-evolving urea-based gel, the authors were able to observe and analyze the different stages of self-assembly in real time. The results of this study provide a thorough understanding of the self-assembly process and its potential applications in industries such as cosmetics, 3D printing ink, and paint.
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Saminu M. Magami
Summary: This study investigated the radiation-induced gelation of two monomers, acrylic acid and acrylamide, crosslinked using four model compounds. It found that the gelation characteristics of the two monomers were very similar, and that the extent of UV irradiance during crosslinking reactions played a significant role in the gelation process, affecting the viscoelasticity of the materials.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yu Cheng, Jiaxian Lin, Yuanyuan Zheng, Xinyi Chen, Chunhong Lu
Summary: Water-soluble synthetic poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) polymers can be enhanced with lignin copolymers to improve their biodegradability and physical properties. By graft copolymerization of organosolv lignin and acrylic acid, hydrophilic lignin copolymers were obtained and successfully incorporated into PVA fibers. The modified lignin significantly improved the tensile strength, Young's modulus, and toughness of the composite fibers, indicating potential applications in industrial or technical textile fields.
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Shazia Noureen, Sobia Noreen, Shazia Akram Ghumman, Fozia Batool, Huma Hameed, Sara Hasan, Fozia Noreen, Mervat A. Elsherif, Syed Nasir Abbas Bukhari
Summary: This study focused on formulating Prunus armeniaca gum (PAG) and sodium alginate microspheres for sustained drug release, demonstrating that blending PAG with sodium alginate can enhance the stability of alginate microspheres and improve its drug release profile by prolonging the release time.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Arthur Lenoch, Monika Schoenhoff, Cornelia Cramer
Summary: This study investigates the mechanical properties of hydrogels with reversible transition metal-polymer crosslinks using rheology and models the corresponding mechanical relaxation during gelation. The study finds that the system transitions from an unentangled chain regime to a crosslink dissociation dominated regime and the relaxation is governed by two timescales with different activation energies. By introducing a time-temperature-superposition procedure, the interplay of chain and crosslinker dynamics can be separated.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Paola A. Benitez-Duif, Marina Breisch, Daniel Kurka, Karlina Edel, Semra Goekcay, Dominic Stangier, Wolfgang Tillmann, Montasser Hijazi, Joerg C. Tiller
Summary: The exceptional properties of double-network hydrogels make them suitable for mimicking complex biomaterials, such as cartilage. The stability of these hydrogels is maintained even at physiological conditions. A specific type of double-network hydrogel based on poly(2-methyl-2-oxazoline) exhibits biomechanical properties similar to cartilage and high strength.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Editorial Material
Energy & Fuels
Tracy H. Schloemer
Summary: The assessment of efficient and stable perovskite solar cells is challenging due to the vast potential parameter space. In this study, researchers use high-throughput screening to identify stable perovskites and propose a bilayer polymer contact that extends device stability to 1,450 hours under high-temperature conditions.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Dukhan Kim, Melanie S. Sanford, Thomas P. Vaid, Anne J. McNeil
Summary: The nonaqueous redox-matched flow battery (RMFB) stores charge on redox-active moieties tethered to insoluble polymer beads, transferring charge between electrodes and beads via soluble mediators with matching redox potentials. This approach enables high energy density and prevents crossover of active material.
CHEMISTRY-A EUROPEAN JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Samuel N. Sanders, Tracy H. Schloemer, Mahesh K. Gangishetty, Daniel Anderson, Michael Seitz, Arynn O. Gallegos, R. Christopher Stokes, Daniel N. Congreve
Summary: This study presents a method of volumetric printing using triplet fusion upconversion at low power excitation, overcoming the limitations of nanoscale applications. The introduction of an excitonic strategy allows for the control of the upconversion threshold, supporting different printing schemes.
Editorial Material
Polymer Science
Danielle E. Fagnani, Coralie Jehanno, Haritz Sardon, Anne J. McNeil
MACROMOLECULAR RAPID COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Editorial Material
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
LaShanda T. J. Korley, Anne J. McNeil, Geoffrey W. Coates
ACCOUNTS OF CHEMICAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Ziying Lei, Jing Zhang, Emily A. Mueller, Yao Xiao, Katherine R. Kolozsvari, Anne J. McNeil, Mark M. Banaszak Holl, Andrew P. Ault
Summary: In this study, the Tg and composition of individual atmospheric particles were determined using NanoTA and AFM-PTIR techniques. The results showed intraparticle variation in chemical composition and Tg, which could potentially improve the modeling of aerosol impacts on clouds and climate.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Tracy H. Schloemer, Samuel N. Sanders, Qi Zhou, Pournima Narayanan, Manchen Hu, Mahesh K. Gangishetty, Daniel Anderson, Michael Seitz, Arynn O. Gallegos, R. Christopher Stokes, Daniel N. Congreve
Summary: Triplet fusion upconversion technology enables the generation of high energy light from low energy input photons, which has significant implications for generating high energy light beyond a material's surface. Nanoencapsulation technology has been developed to overcome the challenges in the deployment of UC materials, and this new technique of nanoencapsulation using oleic acid nanodroplets encapsulated with a silica shell has achieved durable nanocapsules for volumetric 3D printing.
JOVE-JOURNAL OF VISUALIZED EXPERIMENTS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Matthew D. Hannigan, Jessica L. Tami, Paul M. Zimmerman, Anne J. McNeil
Summary: Catalyst-transfer polymerization (CTP) is a method used to synthesize conjugated polymers. Previous studies suggested that Ni0 catalysts are trapped by highly electron-rich arenes, but this research provides evidence that the catalyst trap is likely a NiII complex formed through oxidative insertion of Ni0 into the C-S bonds of thieno[3,2-b]thiophene. This finding may have significance in understanding or enabling the CTP of other monomers with fused thiophenes.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Danielle E. Fagnani, Dukhan Kim, Sofia I. Camarero, Jose F. Alfaro, Anne J. McNeil
Summary: New approaches are needed to reduce and reuse plastic waste. This study shows that by using the HCl generated from PVC in a paired-electrolysis reaction to chlorinate arenes, PVC waste can be effectively utilized with a lower global warming potential compared to using HCl. This method may inspire other strategies for repurposing waste PVC and related polymers.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Tracy Schloemer, Pournima Narayanan, Qi Zhou, Emma Belliveau, Michael Seitz, Daniel N. Congreve
Summary: Using light to control matter has long been a goal for scientists, and triplet-triplet annihilation upconversion (TTA-UC) may provide a solution by converting low energy photons to high energy photons. This process allows for precise generation of high energy photons, overcoming challenges of light attenuation. Researchers are exploring various sensitizers and annihilators for TTA-UC in solution and solid-state applications. This review discusses deployment strategies and recent examples of TTA-UC, identifying critical needs to advance it from an academic curiosity to a scalable technology.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Qi Zhou, Brendan M. Wirtz, Tracy H. Schloemer, Michael C. Burroughs, Manchen Hu, Pournima Narayanan, Junrui Lyu, Arynn O. Gallegos, Colette Layton, Danielle J. Mai, Daniel N. Congreve
Summary: UV light is widely used in photochemical reactions, but delivering high-energy photons beyond the surface is challenging. Triplet-triplet annihilation upconversion (TTA-UC) offers a promising solution. In this study, water-compatible UC micelles are fabricated using a nanoencapsulation method, allowing UV photon generation deep into materials. Additionally, this encapsulation method is applicable to a range of UV-emitting UC systems, enabling precise photochemistry at depth.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Manchen Hu, Sebastian Fernandez, Qi Zhou, Pournima Narayanan, Balreen Saini, Tracy H. Schloemer, Junrui Lyu, Arynn O. Gallegos, Ghada H. Ahmed, Daniel N. Congreve
Summary: In this study, the uniformity of perovskite films was improved by adding water into the precursor solution, which enhanced the crystallization process of spin-coated 2D perovskites. The resulting films showed reduced leakage current and faster recombination rates due to improved uniformity and reduced nanoplate size. The fabricated PeLEDs emitted bright violet light at 408 nm with a significantly higher external quantum efficiency compared to control devices, indicating a promising approach towards cost-effective and efficient ultraviolet PeLEDs.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Tracy H. Schloemer, Samuel N. Sanders, Pournima Narayanan, Qi Zhou, Manchen Hu, Daniel N. Congreve
Summary: By utilizing the triplet-triplet annihilation upconversion (TTA-UC) process, two low energy photons can be converted into one high energy photon. We have demonstrated the synthesis of nanocapsules with the ability to generate high energy photons, which has significant implications for optically controlled processes such as photocatalysis or 3D printing. The feed concentrations of the TEOS monomer and PEG-silane ligand play a crucial role in the nanocapsule synthesis and can be optimized to maximize efficacy and minimize leakage.
Article
Polymer Science
Michael C. Burroughs, Tracy H. Schloemer, Daniel N. Congreve, Danielle J. Mai
Summary: Embedding nanomaterials into polymer hydrogels allows the design of functional materials with tailored properties. This study systematically explores the relationship between material composition, processing route, and the properties of polymer nanocomposite hydrogels. It is found that adding nanocapsules accelerates the gelation process and enhances the mechanical strength of the nanocomposite hydrogels.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Gloria D. De La Garza, Aman Preet Kaur, Ilya A. Shkrob, Lily A. Robertson, Susan A. Odom, Anne J. McNeil
Summary: In this study, s-tetrazine derivatives were prepared and evaluated for their electrochemical properties, solubility, and cycling stability in nonaqueous redox flow batteries. The highly soluble 3,6-dimethoxy-s-tetrazine was found to undergo a reversible one-electron reduction and exhibited long cycling stability.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yiping Yin, Zhe Wang, Hua Zou
Summary: This study presents a novel method for preparing dimpled polymer-silica nanocomposite particles using interfacial swelling-based seeded polymerization. The optimized conditions allow for a relatively high percentage of dimpled particles to be achieved.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Brenden D. Hoehn, Elizabeth A. Kellstedt, Marc A. Hillmyer
Summary: Porous materials with nanometer-scale pores have important applications as nanoporous membranes. In this study, ABA triblock copolymers were used as precursors to produce nanoporous polymeric membranes (NPMs) in thin film form by degrading the end blocks. Polycyclooctene (PCOE) NPMs with tunable pore sizes were successfully prepared using solvent casting technique. Oxygen plasma etching was employed to improve the surface porosity and hydrophilicity of the membranes. This study provides a straightforward method to produce tough NPMs with high porosity and hydrophilic surface properties.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Vladislav S. Petrovskii, Stepan I. Zholudev, Igor I. Potemkin
Summary: This article investigates the behavior of linear and ring polypeptide chains in aqueous solution and explores the properties of the complexes formed by these chains with oppositely charged surfactants. The results demonstrate that the complexes of linear supercharged unfolded polypeptides and the corresponding surfactants exhibit impressive adhesive properties.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Merve Cevik, Serkan Dikici
Summary: Cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of death globally, and vascular grafts are a promising treatment option. This study focuses on tissue-engineered vascular grafts (TEVGs) using decellularized parsley stems as a potential biomaterial. The decellularized parsley stems showed suitable properties for TEVGs, providing a suitable environment for human endothelial cells to form a pseudo endothelium. This study showcases the potential of using parsley stems for TEVGs.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Gustavo A. Vasquez-Montoya, Tadej Emersic, Noe Atzin, Antonio Tavera-Vazquez, Ali Mozaffari, Rui Zhang, Orlando Guzman, Alexey Snezhko, Paul F. Nealey, Juan J. de Pablo
Summary: The optical properties of liquid crystals are typically controlled by electric fields. In this study, we investigate the effects of microfluidic flows and acoustic fields on the molecular orientation and optical response of nematic liquid crystals. We identify several previously unknown structures and explain them through calculations and simulations. These findings hold promise for the development of new systems combining sound, flow, and confinement.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xinjun Wu, Xin Guan, Shushu Chen, Jiangpeng Jia, Chongyi Chen, Jiawei Zhang, Chuanzhuang Zhao
Summary: This research presents a novel shape memory hydrogel with a remodelable permanent shape and programmable cold-induced shape recovery behavior. The hydrogel is prepared using specific treatment methods to achieve shape fixation by heating and shape recovery by cooling. Additionally, deformable devices can be obtained by assembling hydrogel blocks with different concentrations.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Rebecca Hengsbach, Gerhard Fink, Ulrich Simon
Summary: This study examines the properties of DNA functionalized pNipmam microgels and pure pNipmam microgels at different concentrations of sodium chloride and in PBS solutions using temperature dependent H-1-NMR measurements. The results show that DNA modification affects the volume phase transition temperature and the addition of salt and PBS further enhances this effect.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ningyi Li, Junhong Li, Lijingting Qing, Shicheng Ma, Yao Li, Baohui Li
Summary: This paper investigates the self-assembly behavior of colloids with competing interactions under spherical confinement and finds that different ordered structures can be formed under different sized spherical confinements. Moreover, more perforated structures are formed in smaller spheres.
