Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Seongseop Kim, Won-Gwang Lim, Hyeonae Im, Minkyeong Ban, Jeong Woo Han, Jisung Lee, Jongkook Hwang, Jinwoo Lee
Summary: This study presents a simple approach to produce two-dimensional porous inorganic nanocoins with controlled thickness, size, and chemical composition by integrating block copolymer self-assembly and orientation control of microdomains. These nanocoins are then used to manufacture ultrathin and lightweight functional separators for lithium-sulfur batteries, improving sulfur utilization and cycle stability through the selective blockage and capture of lithium polysulfides.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Douglas J. Grzetic, Kris T. Delaney, Glenn H. Fredrickson
Summary: Microphase separation in a binary blend of oppositely charged polymers can be stabilized electrostatically, providing a route to control microstructure. The phase behavior is affected by differences in charge density and dielectric constant of the polymers, and specific ordered phases can be stabilized when the minority component has a higher dielectric constant. This system suggests a possible route to large-unit-cell complex-sphere phases.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Qin Wu, Yan Sun, Wei Wang, Shuyao Tian, Mengjie Ouyang, Kangcheng Chen, Daxin Shi, Yaoyuan Zhang, Hansheng Li, Zhiping Zhao
Summary: A series of multiblock polydimethylsiloxane-b-polyimides copolymers were successfully prepared and their physicochemical properties, pervaporation properties, and thermal stability were studied. The results showed that the mechanical properties and swelling behavior of the membranes varied with different compositions of the copolymers.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Ze-Kun Zhang, Shi-Peng Ding, Ze Ye, Ding-Li Xia, Jun-Ting Xu
Summary: In this study, high charge density PEO-b-QP4VP-X BCPs were prepared by full quaternization of the P4VP block in neutral PEO-b-P4VP BCP. The phase separation behavior of PEO-b-QP4VP-X BCPs was found to be strongly dependent on the counterion species. The phase behavior was explained using a thermodynamic mechanism, in which the competition of delta(chi 1), delta chi Born, and chi(gamma) dominates the change tendency of phase behavior.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tomohiro Yamazaki, Tetsuya Yamamoto, Hyura Yoshino, Sylvie Souquere, Shinichi Nakagawa, Gerard Pierron, Tetsuro Hirose
Summary: Paraspeckles are assembled by NEAT1_2 architectural long noncoding RNAs as block copolymer micelles through a type of microphase separation called micellization. This study provides an experiment-based theoretical framework demonstrating that ribonucleoprotein complexes can act as block copolymers to form RNA-scaffolding biomolecular condensates with optimal sizes and structures in cells.
Article
Polymer Science
Masaya Takahashi, Akane Shimizu, Shin-ichi Yusa, Yuji Higaki
Summary: This study reveals that the aqueous morphology of a double zwitterionic diblock copolymer undergoes transition dependent on polymer concentration, changing from a hexagonally close-packed cylinder structure to a lamellar structure. The preferential distribution of water molecules into specific domains below a certain polymer concentration threshold induces this morphology transition.
MACROMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Akash Arora, Tzyy-Shyang Lin, Nathan J. Rebello, Sarah H. M. Av-Ron, Hidenobu Mochigase, Bradley D. Olsen
Summary: This study successfully models the phase behavior of AB diblock copolymers using a machine learning model with an accuracy of nearly 90%, which is significantly higher than traditional methods. The machine learning model is particularly sensitive to the uncertainty in measuring molecular parameters, but even with highly uncertain experimental measurements, the accuracy remains at least 60%. Accuracy is substantially reduced when extrapolating to chemistries outside the training set.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Lei Li, Wenjun Peng, Liyue Liu, Sixun Zheng
Summary: The study investigated the effect of organosilicon modification on an ABA triblock copolymer in epoxy thermosets, revealing that the modification changed the morphology and improved fracture toughness. Additionally, the organic silicon modification enhanced the surface hydrophobicity of the materials.
POLYMER ENGINEERING AND SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Tom Herschberg, Jan-Michael Y. Carrillo, Bobby G. Sumpter, Eleni Panagiotou, Rajeev Kumar
Summary: The study found that the topology of polymer chains significantly influences the order-disorder transition of AB diblock copolymer melts, with linear and ring chains remaining stretched while knot chains experience stretching and tightening in disordered melts.
Article
Polymer Science
Yu-Hsuan Tseng, Yu-Liang Lin, Jhih-Hao Ho, Chun-Ting Chang, Yi-Chun Fan, Ming-Hui Shen, Jiun-Tai Chen
Summary: This study presents a clever approach to form PS-b-PEO nanorods in nanopores of AAO templates using solvent vapor annealing method, allowing for control over the internal morphologies of the nanorods by changing the annealing solvents. This technique provides a powerful tool for fabricating functional nanomaterials with unique morphologies, showing great potential for various applications.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Julia Burykina, Andrey D. Kobelev, Nikita S. Shlapakov, Alexander Yu Kostyukovich, Artem N. Fakhrutdinov, Burkhard Koenig, Valentine P. Ananikov
Summary: The first example of an intermolecular thiol-yne-ene coupling reaction is reported, which enables the one-pot construction of C-S and C-C bonds. Thiol-yne-ene coupling reaction opens up new possibilities for building complex molecules and accessing highly functionalized products. The unique photoredox cycle involved in this reaction was revealed through various experimental techniques and computational modeling.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yuying Liu, Ying Wang, Chaohui Tong, Guanghong Wei, Feng Ding, Yunxiang Sun
Summary: The self-assembly dynamics of two repeating modules in suckerin of squid sucker ring teeth were investigated using simulations. It was found that the glycine-rich module has a strong self-association ability and enables the formation of nanoconfined beta-sheets in the matrix through microphase separation. These molecular insights are important for understanding the structure and function of suckerin and can aid in the design of functional block-copolymer peptides for nanotechnology and biomedicine applications.
Article
Polymer Science
Byeong Ju Park, Na Un Kim, Chang Soo Lee, Jong Hak Kim
Summary: Alcohol-soluble comb copolymers were synthesized from rubbery POEM and glassy PAcAm, showing high CO2 permeability and CO2/N2 selectivity in a mechanically strong free-standing membrane. The enhanced performance was attributed to an effective CO2-philic pathway for the ethylene oxide group in POEM and prevention of N2 permeability by PAcAm chains.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yu-Hsuan Tseng, Yi-Chun Fan, Chun-Ting Chang, Yu-Liang Lin, Chia-Wei Chang, Chih-Wei Liao, Jiun-Tai Chen
Summary: In this study, a facile strategy called photoinduced alignment under solvent vapor annealing (PA-SVA) is proposed to form well-aligned block copolymer thin films without the need for chemically or topographically prepatterned substrates. The light-assisted self-assembly of the block copolymers is achieved by incorporating light-responsive azobenzene molecules into the polymer chains. The alignment of the block copolymer chains is induced through supramolecular interactions between the azobenzene molecules and the polymer chains. This method not only allows for manipulation of the position of light-responsive molecules in block copolymer chains, but also provides an alternative way to obtain well-ordered block copolymer thin films.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Tandra Ghoshal, Timothy W. Collins, Subhajit Biswas, Michael A. Morris, Justin D. Holmes
Summary: Nanopatterns can be formed by annealing block copolymers in organic solvents, but a more environmentally friendly method is to anneal them in supercritical carbon dioxide. This method can achieve well-defined, hexagonally ordered films of line and hole patterns at low temperatures and pressures.
Article
Polymer Science
Jinhee Lee, Jeyoung Park, Hojung Choi, Young Rok Yoon, Myungeun Seo, Sua Song, Byung-Kwon Kim, Sang Youl Kim
Summary: A novel regiocontrolled triarylamine-based polymer with 2-naphthol units was synthesized via oxidative coupling polymerization, showing good solubility and thermal stability, suggesting promising applications in optoelectronic devices.
Article
Polymer Science
Chinnadurai Satheeshkumar, Bum-Joon Jung, Hansol Jang, Wonhee Lee, Myungeun Seo
Summary: Surface modification using Buchwald-Hartwig amination allows for the introduction of primary amine groups onto polymer surfaces, providing a facile and recyclable method for their installation. Covalent bonding between substrates via amine-isocyanate chemistry results in higher bonding strength compared to previous noncovalent methods.
MACROMOLECULAR RAPID COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jun Su Kang, Sungwoo Kang, Jong-Min Suh, Soon Mo Park, Dong Ki Yoon, Mi Hee Lim, Woo Youn Kim, Myungeun Seo
Summary: The study shows that circularly polarized light can induce chirality at the supramolecular level, and the chirality information can be nonlinearly amplified in the system. Opposite chirality can override molecular information when the enantiomeric excess is low.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2022)
Review
Polymer Science
Jun Su Kang, Namhee Kim, Taehyung Kim, Myungeun Seo, Byeong-Su Kim
Summary: This review discusses the introduction of asymmetry into a supramolecular system via external chiral stimuli and the mechanisms of photon-to-matter chirality transfer at the supramolecular level. It also covers asymmetric photochemical reactions and the creation of a chiral bias upon CPL irradiation.
MACROMOLECULAR RAPID COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Yeolib Jeong, Minjoong Shin, Myungeun Seo, Hyunwoo Kim
Summary: The stereoselective synthesis of polylactic acid (PLA) was achieved using titanium(IV) complexes and specific ligands. Density functional theory calculations showed that the ligand structure plays a crucial role in differentiating reaction pathways.
Article
Polymer Science
Nam Young Ahn, Sangwoo Kwon, Suchan Cho, Chanhyuk Kang, Jiwon Jeon, Won Bo Lee, Eunji Lee, YongJoo Kim, Myungeun Seo
Summary: Supramolecular polymerization, which involves the association of monomeric building blocks through non-covalent interactions, can spontaneously drive the polymerization of nanoscale micellar objects. By constructing patchy micelles through polymerization-induced self-assembly, we observed the formation of 1D supermicellar chains, with the length growing as the degree of polymerization increases. This study demonstrates the feasibility of using polymerization-induced supramolecular polymerization for the autonomous preparation of hierarchical nanostructures.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Minjoong Shin, Hayeon Kim, Geonhyeong Park, Jongmin Park, Hyungju Ahn, Dong Ki Yoon, Eunji Lee, Myungeun Seo
Summary: This study demonstrates that a periodic order can spontaneously arise from a binary random copolymer and induce recurrent folding of a self-assembled bilayer structure in water. The authors constructed a linear backbone with hydrophilic and hydrophobic side chains by random copolymerization. When the polymer chains associate in water, they experience a sequence matching problem due to heterogeneity, which is stabilized by the periodic folding of the bilayer.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Jaemin Park, Jiyun Nam, Myungeun Seo, Sheng Li
Summary: This study reports the synthesis and self-assembly of brush-linear diblock copolymers with variable side-chain length and density. By controlling the PEG chain length and the degree of substitution, brush-linear diblock copolymers with different side-chain lengths and densities were obtained. The study found that different solid-state morphologies can be formed at different PEG side-chain densities.
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Nam Young Ahn, Jooyeon Lee, Wonjune Yeo, Hyojin Park, Jiyun Nam, Min Kim, Myungeun Seo
Summary: We have developed a synthetic method for decorating the surface of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with polymers through postsynthetic modification. By reacting well-defined polymers with reversibly deactivated radical species at their chain end with vinyl-functionalized MOFs in the presence of a radical initiator, we can form a C-C bond between the polymer end and the functional group at the MOF ligand. We have successfully achieved four polymer@MOF composites through this method.
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Kyoungmun Lee, Hyun-Ro Lee, Young Hun Kim, Jaemin Park, Suchan Cho, Sheng Li, Myungeun Seo, Siyoung Q. Choi
Summary: This study demonstrated the continuous generation of hydroxyl radicals in oil-confined aqueous microdroplets, enabling the synthesis of polymers at high reactant concentrations. The transport of hydroxyl radicals also facilitated polymerization reactions in the continuous oil phase. This interfacial phenomenon was successfully applied to the chain extension of polymers.
ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Chinnadurai Satheeshkumar, Howon Seo, Sujung Hong, Pilhan Kim, Myungeun Seo
Summary: In this study, a synthetic route based on radical polymerization was developed to produce a fluorescent monolithic hierarchically porous polymer composed of extended pi-conjugated triphenylene motifs. Microphase separation and removal of polylactide generated controllable mesopores and exposed micropores within the polymer network. The resulting porous monolith exhibited strong bluish fluorescence, which could be quenched upon exposure to nitroaromatic compounds.
Review
Polymer Science
Taeseok Oh, Suchan Cho, Changsu Yoo, Wonjune Yeo, Jinyeong Oh, Myungeun Seo
Summary: Polymerization-induced microphase separation (PIMS) is a method for synthesizing nanostructured block polymer materials, allowing for simultaneous nanostructuring during polymerization. PIMS, with its in situ cross-linking feature, offers a facile route to nanostructured block polymer thermosets in combination with various polymerization techniques.
PROGRESS IN POLYMER SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jongmin Park, Eunsook Park, Siyoung Q. Choi, Jingxian Wu, Jihye Park, Hyeonju Lee, Hyungjun Kim, Haeshin Lee, Myungeun Seo
Summary: Bioadhesives are becoming increasingly important in medical science. However, developing adhesive materials that combine strong adhesion, biocompatibility, and biodegradation remains challenging. In this study, a biocompatible and biodegradable block copolymer-based waterborne superglue was developed for follicle-free hair transplantation. The adhesive showed step-wise increase in adhesion strength and significantly enhanced mechanical properties compared to the conventional formulation.
Review
Polymer Science
Ki Hyun Kim, Jiyun Nam, Jinwoong Choi, Myungeun Seo, Joona Bang
Summary: Bottlebrush polymers are unique macromolecules with densely grafted polymeric sidechains, showing interesting properties and applications. The ROMP technique allows precise control of various structural parameters in BBPs. This review highlights recent advances in BBPs prepared by ROMP.
Article
Polymer Science
Yuanzhang Jiang, Xuyi Wang, Yanting Han, Dakai Gong, Yingchun Gu, Lin Tan
Summary: In this study, FeCl3 and poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) were doped into waterborne polyurethanes (WPUs) to create multifunctional materials with self-healing and antimicrobial properties. WPU/Fe/PAA-5.5, containing 5.5 wt % PAA, exhibited excellent mechanical properties, strong self-healing capabilities, and an impressive antimicrobial rate of over 90%. These supramolecular films were also highly recyclable through hot-pressing.
Article
Polymer Science
Longyu Tian, Min Wang, Guangming Liao, Baoliang Liu, Sujuan Zhang, Yucheng Sun, Zhen Meng, Jintao Zhang, Zaijun Lu
Summary: Two kinds of benzoxazine monomers were synthesized and used to prepare polybenzoxazine anion exchange membranes (AEMs) with quaternary ammonium functionalization. The LQPBZ AEM exhibited better ion conductivity and alkaline stability.
Article
Polymer Science
Claire A. Lemarchand
Summary: This study investigates the shock behavior of three different polymers through molecular dynamics simulations. The results reveal specificities in the shock behavior of polymers, including deviations from the linear relation between shock velocity and particle velocity, as well as differences in shear stress relaxation behind the shock front. It is found that the deviation of the Hugoniot locus is related to the change in the relative contribution of bonding and non-bonding potential energies, while polymers with higher glass transition temperatures exhibit slower shear stress relaxation.
Article
Polymer Science
Zengquan Liu, Xiaochun Yin, He Zhang, Shuo Gao, Qinglin Kuang, Yanhong Feng
Summary: A powder solid-state extension (PSSE) technology was proposed to address the high melt viscosity issue of UHMWPE. By uniaxial extension and sintering in the solid state, a highly self-reinforced material was prepared. X-ray diffraction and scattering techniques were used to study the structural evolution during the PSSE process, and a solid-phase induced transformation model was established.
Article
Polymer Science
Zhike Li, Anyu Luo, Rui Zhou, Xin Li, Haiyan Li
Summary: A novel high temperature resistance IL@SiO2 nanocapsules were successfully prepared and their friction and wear properties in PA6 composites were studied. The addition of IL@SiO2 nanocapsules reduced the friction coefficient and wear rate without affecting the mechanical properties of PA6. The synergy between the IL core and SiO2 wall in the nanocapsules improved the self-lubricating performance of the PA6 composites.
Article
Polymer Science
Xin Liu, Xuhong Guo, Qi Liao
Summary: In this study, an algorithm for accurately estimating viscosity is developed using molecular dynamics simulations and the Green-Kubo formula. This algorithm can be applied to complex systems with long correlations, such as macromolecular and biological simulation systems.
Article
Polymer Science
Hao Pu, Yun-Lei Hou, Jing -Zhou Chen, Dong -Lin Zhao
Summary: The use of modified graphene improves the interfacial adherence of carbon fibers to epoxy resin, resulting in enhanced interfacial and bending properties of CF and matrix in CF/EP composites, as well as increased interlaminar shear strength and flexural strength.
Article
Polymer Science
Wei-Chung Ke, Jin-Wei Lin, Manohar Reddy Busireddy, Yueh-Hsing Lee, Jiun-Tai Chen, Chain-Shu Hsu
Summary: This study introduces a crosslinkable monomer, TAIC, to synthesize three crosslinked polyimide films, which exhibit improved thermal, mechanical, and dielectric properties. The introduction of TAIC enhances the tensile strength, reduces the dielectric constant and dielectric loss, and decreases the coefficient of thermal expansion of the polyimide films.
Article
Polymer Science
Alex Kwasi Kumi, Ruiling Fan, Ye Chen, Yumei Zhang
Summary: The difference in leaching of amylopectin from cellulose/amylopectin/1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([Bmim][Cl]) blends during regeneration in water and aqueous ethanol has been studied. Molecular dynamics simulations showed that the dissolution and regeneration mechanisms of amylopectin in [Bmim][Cl] are similar to cellulose in ionic liquids. Water regeneration leads to weak electrostatic interactions, resulting in high leaching of amylopectin. In contrast, ethanol-water interactions enhance electrostatic interactions among amylopectin chains, limiting amylopectin leaching in aqueous ethanol.
Article
Polymer Science
Xi Zeng, Junwei Zhou, Junbiao Peng, Chunsheng Zhang, Danling Wang, Yihu Song, Qiang Zheng
Summary: This study utilizes an oligomer deep eutectic solvent (DES) based on polyethylene glycol to regulate the vulcanization kinetics of rubber. The results show that the DES can accelerate vulcanization at low temperatures without affecting the crosslinking density and Mullins effect.
Article
Polymer Science
Qianqian Yue, Yongfei Peng, Xingjian Liu, Aihua He, Huarong Nie
Summary: The addition of metal deactivators can effectively suppress the aging of TBIR, prolong its lifespan, and have no negative effects on its physical and processing properties. These research findings are of great importance for improving the stability and aging resistance of polymers.
Article
Polymer Science
J. Gomez-Caturla, J. Ivorra-Martinez, R. Tejada-Oliveros, V Moreno, D. Garcia-Garcia, R. Balart
Summary: This work focuses on the development of environmentally friendly PLA formulations by using different esters derived from geraniol as plasticizers. The results show that these esters have good compatibility with PLA, and they can effectively enhance the elongation and plasticity of PLA, reduce its glass transition temperature, and slightly improve its water absorption capabilities.
Article
Polymer Science
Dandan Li, Zhaohui Lu, Zhao Ke, Ke Xu, Fengna Dai, Youhai Yu, Guangtao Qian, Chunhai Chen
Summary: In this study, cross-linked PI aerogel membranes with low dielectric constant and high moisture resistance were prepared by co-polymerization and scraping coating technology. The incorporation of fluorinated blocks and benzimidazole ring structures resulted in novel PI aerogel membranes with fascinating dielectric properties and outstanding moisture resistance.
Article
Polymer Science
Zhaoyang Chu, Qing Zhang, Haihua Luo, Han Zhou, Fapei Zhang, Wei Chen, Wenhua Zhang
Summary: Multi-physical fields solution processing strategy is a universal and facile method for preparing various conjugated polymer films and high-performance devices. In this study, we employed a combined microfluidic flow and ultrasonication strategy (FU) for processing CP solutions, and found a pronounced synergetic effect in promoting the pre-ordering of chains in solution. The conformation order and anisotropy of the solution were revealed through various characterizations. A non-classical nucleation model for polymer crystallization in non-equilibrium solution processing was confirmed. The roles of microfluidic flow and ultrasonication in chain aggregation and crystallization were addressed through multi-physical simulations. Compared to pristine solutions, the FU strategy showed improved solution anisotropy and crystallization kinetics, resulting in higher crystallinity in films and increased mobilities in OFET devices. The FU processing strategy provides a universal approach for regulating chain conformation and aggregation in conjugated polymer solutions.
