Article
Computer Science, Information Systems
Xiangbing Zhou, Xing Cai, Hua Zhang, Zhiheng Zhang, Ting Jin, Huayue Chen, Wu Deng
Summary: In this paper, a multi-strategy competitive-cooperative co-evolutionary algorithm named MSCOEA is proposed to effectively solve multi-objective optimization problems and balance uniformity and convergence. The MSCOEA incorporates a new adaptive random competition strategy to maintain diversity in sub-populations, and a neighborhood crossover strategy to enhance local search ability. Experimental results on different benchmark functions demonstrate that the MSCOEA achieves better optimization performance and robustness compared to other algorithms, while effectively balancing convergence and uniformity. The convergence performance of the adaptive random competition and neighborhood crossover strategies is also analyzed.
INFORMATION SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Sandeep Sharma, Konstantinos Ntetsikas, Viko Ladelta, Saibal Bhaumik, Nikos Hadjichristidis
Summary: The paper presents an alternative method for the large-scale synthesis of cyclic polymers with moderate dilution conditions up to 1 gram scale. The cyclic polymers were successfully prepared using a simple Williamson etherification reaction with a good solvent/non-solvent combination. Various spectroscopic and analytical techniques, including SEC, MALDI-TOF-MS, DSC, and NMR spectroscopy, were used to fully characterize the synthesized linear and cyclic homopolymers.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Pan Jiang, Bo Pang, Gaiyun Li, Yanming Han, Fuxiang Chu
Summary: Through a multi-solvent sequential fractionation strategy, industrial lignin was successfully separated into various graded fractions without altering their chemical structures, and used for the fabrication of CLPs with excellent performance. The study also revealed the reorganization of trace elements onto the surface area of CLPs from lignin fractions during the formation process. This work provides a new strategy and insights for enhancing the utilization value of industrial lignin and understanding the formation process of CLPs.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ming Huang, Bangwei Deng, Xiaoli Zhao, Zheye Zhang, Fei Li, Kanglu Li, Zhihao Cui, Lingxuan Kong, Jianmei Lu, Fan Dong, Lili Zhang, Peng Chen
Summary: In this study, a new method is developed to synthesize single-atom catalysts with well-defined Ni-N-4-O catalytic sites, which exhibit high Faradaic efficiency and stability in electrocatalytic CO2 reduction to CO. Experimental and theoretical studies reveal the importance of Ni-O coordination in the performance of the catalytic center.
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Li-Hui Hong, Wei-Jung Feng, Wei-Chih Chen, Yu-Chang Chang
Summary: We synthesized a palladium complex (1a) with two different P-donors and proved its effectiveness as a Pd(ii) precatalyst for carbon-phosphorus bond formation. The complex exhibited efficient catalytic activity for the Hirao coupling reaction under environmentally benign conditions. Mechanistic studies were conducted to investigate the generation of plausible Pd(0) active species. The use of bulky di(1-adamantyl)phosphine oxide as a preligand and less bulky di-p-tolylphosphine oxide as the substrate in the coupling reaction was also demonstrated.
DALTON TRANSACTIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jing Wang, Wei She, Xuewei Li, Zhibin Li, Jingfang Li, Guijie Mao, Weizuo Li, Guangming Li
Summary: A well-defined 2D Zn-HMTA metalloligand with uncoordinated tertiary amine groups was synthesized and used to prepare a bimetallic Co@Zn-HMTA MOFs as a template for self-supported nanocatalysts. The optimized catalyst Co-ZnO@CN-CAI exhibited excellent catalytic performance, outperforming a classic ZnO@CN supported metallic Co catalyst. Various characterizations were carried out to explore the enhanced catalytic performance of Co-ZnO@CN-CAI and the role of Co@Zn-HMTA MOFs precursor.
JOURNAL OF CATALYSIS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zirun Chen, Shaohong Liu, Luyi Chen, Junlong Huang, Bingna Zheng, Wen Huang, Shimei Li, Yuheng Lu, Ruowen Fu
Summary: By utilizing a molecular-scale interface engineering concept, well-defined microporous carbon aerogels (MPCAs) can be produced rapidly and at scale. These MPCAs demonstrate superb pore accessibility and utilization, showing great promise in the rapid removal of organic micropollutants and as electrocatalyst supports.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Zhaokun Zhang, Yan Meng, Dan Xiao
Summary: This study proposes an unconventional strategy of multi-sites co-doping using cheap and abundant elements to address the capacity fading issue of lithium cobalt oxide (LCO) at high cut-off voltage. The optimized co-doping strategy enables each doping element to achieve the full potential in promoting cyclic stability. The resultant LCO shows a capacity retention of 81.8% after 500 cycles at 4.6 V. The tri-sites co-doping strategy provides a new idea for further improving the cyclic stability of high-voltage LCO.
ENERGY STORAGE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yanchao Wang, Maosheng Li, Shixue Wang, Youhua Tao, Xianhong Wang
Summary: SCA monomers derived from amino acids are more reactive than thiolactones for ultrafast and selective ROP, resulting in controlled molecular weight, low dispersities, and retained stereoregularity of the synthesized polythioesters.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jiao Lan, Min Luo, Jiuhui Han, Ming Peng, Huigao Duan, Yongwen Tan
Summary: The study introduces a nanoporous boron carbide catalyst for electrochemical nitrogen fixation, demonstrating high catalytic activity and stability. Through strong coupling between B-C sites, the catalyst is able to lower the energy required for activating inert N-2 molecules, resulting in improved nitrogen fixation efficiency.
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Xiaoyi Liu, Haiming Cheng, Hu Wang, Zhu Wen, Guixia Liu, Shengda Liu, Dan Li, Jinxian Wang, Wensheng Yu, Xiangting Dong
Summary: A new organic cationic matrix suitable for Mn4+ doping was constructed, which effectively prevented charge compensation defects and achieved a high internal quantum efficiency. By introducing different cations into the matrix, the physical properties and spectral characteristics of the phosphors were improved. These findings provide an important basis for the preparation of new luminescent materials.
DALTON TRANSACTIONS
(2023)
Review
Biology
Alessandra Cassar, Mary Rigdon
Summary: The lower female competitiveness often found in economic experiments can be explained by the strategic suppression of competitiveness in order to elicit cooperation for the benefit of raising offspring. Women show stronger reactions to social conditions in different games compared to men, and they are equally competitive when the games evoke a parenting frame, a gender-typical one, or include a prosocial option. This suggests that nurturing cooperation intertwines with competitiveness in a complex and adaptive female social strategy.
PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Business
Iraci de Souza Joao-Roland, Maria L. Granados
Summary: This paper explores the impact of management practices and organizational behaviors on social innovation strategy in social enterprises (SEs). The research suggests that a collaborative and user-centered approach, as well as a participatory organizational culture, positively influence social innovation performance. Through data analysis and regression models, the study confirms that cooperation with the community, beneficiaries, and universities, development of solutions based on community needs, design thinking, and intrapreneur behavior within SEs are all positively correlated with social innovation performance. The findings emphasize the crucial role of community, universities, and user involvement throughout the innovation process, providing valuable insights for SEs and policymakers in prioritizing practices and behaviors for strategic management of social innovation.
TECHNOLOGICAL FORECASTING AND SOCIAL CHANGE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Bo Yan, Yinwu Li, Weiwei Cao, Zhiping Zeng, Pu Liu, Zhuofeng Ke, Guowei Yang
Summary: A highly efficient and selective CO2 reduction method is developed using laser reduction in liquid, achieving high CO yield and energy conversion efficiency.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ziya Shang, Liuyang Zhou, Chenkai Sun, Lei Meng, Wenbin Lai, Jinyuan Zhang, Wenchao Huang, Yongfang Li
Summary: A novel non-equivalent D-A copolymerization strategy was proposed in this study to finely tune the physicochemical and photovoltaic properties of polymers by inserting more D units into the polymer backbone. The non-equivalent D-A copolymers showed improved performance in terms of energy levels, mobility, self-assembly, and crystallinity compared to the traditional alternate D-A copolymer. The non-equivalent D-A copolymer-based PSCs achieved higher power conversion efficiency with improved V-oc, J(sc) and FF simultaneously.
SCIENCE CHINA-CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Prakash Alagi, George Zapsas, Nikos Hadjichristidis, Sung Chul Hong, Yves Gnanou, Xiaoshuang Feng
Summary: Brush-type macromolecules (BMs) have garnered significant attention in recent decades due to their unique properties and potential applications in nanoscience, drug delivery systems, and photonics. A two-step synthesis strategy was reported for the preparation of polycarbonate-grafted copolymers with either star-shaped or brush-typed morphologies using a grafting from approach, showing promising results in the synthesis of these novel materials.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mingchen Jia, Dongyue Zhang, Yves Gnanou, Xiaoshuang Feng
Summary: Three types of copolymers with different carbonate content were prepared through copolymerization of ethylene oxide with CO2 under metal-free conditions using onium salts as initiators. The copolymerization process also allowed for the introduction of functional groups along the backbone of the copolymers and the generation of amphiphilic triblocks with different hydrophilic-hydrophobic balance. The properties of the copolymers were characterized by various analytical methods and their degradation behavior was investigated under different conditions.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Chao Chen, Yves Gnanou, Xiaoshuang Feng
Summary: The ring-opening copolymerization of epoxides with isothiocyanates was explored for the first time. Various epoxides were copolymerized with aromatic and aliphatic ITCs, and the effects of different phosphazene bases, temperatures, and Lewis acids on the copolymerization were investigated. The thermal properties of the obtained copolymers were analyzed.
Article
Polymer Science
Jingjing Liu, Yves Gnanou, Xiaoshuang Feng
Summary: The value and merit of triethylborane (TEB)-based ate complexes for the synthesis of various oxygenated polymers have been demonstrated. This study expanded the scope of TEB-based initiating systems to anionically polymerize cyclic esters and to copolymerize them with propylene oxide (PO). The addition of hydrogen-bonding donors promoted a fast and controlled ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of cyclic esters. The controlled nature of the polymerization was confirmed by characterization techniques. These borane-based ate complexes showed great potential for the synthesis of copolymers.
Review
Polymer Science
Jiaxi Xu, Xin Wang, Jingjing Liu, Xiaoshuang Feng, Yves Gnanou, Nikos Hadjichristidis
Summary: Ring-opening polymerization (ROP) is a prevalent and convenient method for synthesizing well-defined polymers with initiators/catalysts. One of the challenges faced by ROP catalysts is the selective activation of functional groups or linkages of the monomer without those carried out in the polymer chains, especially at high conversion. H-bonding organocatalysts can offer precise selectivity for ROP in a wide range of monomers.
PROGRESS IN POLYMER SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Rui Tang, Bailiang Xue, Jiaojun Tan, Ying Guan, Jialong Wen, Xinping Li, Wei Zhao
Summary: Lignin, as a natural polymer, has great potential for preparing functional materials, but its inherent heterogeneity limits its applications. This study systematically investigates the relationships between lignin structure and the performance of resultant materials, leading to the preparation of lignin-based vitrimers. The study reveals the correlations between lignin properties and material performance, which is of significant importance for the development of lignin-based materials.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Naganath Patil, Yves Gnanou, Xiaoshuang Feng
Summary: By adding Lewis acid such as triethylborane (TEB), the copolymerization of o-phthalaldehyde (OPA) with various epoxides has been successfully carried out under ambient conditions, resulting in the formation of polyacetals. The role and effect of TEB, its amount, and the feeding ratio of OPA to epoxides during their copolymerizations were investigated. The successful copolymerization was further extended to the synthesis of polyether-b-polyacetal block copolymers with different structure and properties.
Article
Polymer Science
Chao Chen, Yves Gnanou, Xiaoshuang Feng
Summary: In this study, a series of bifunctional borinane-based catalysts were successfully designed and synthesized for efficient ring-opening polymerization of epoxides under mild conditions, resulting in high molar mass polyethers. These catalysts showed high productivity even at low loading amounts, as low as 50 ppb, when used with chain transfer agents. Additionally, they demonstrated record turnover frequency (TOF) values and molar masses for the polymerization of oxetane.
Article
Polymer Science
Chao Chen, Yves Gnanou, Xiaoshuang Feng
Summary: We report the synthesis of commercially attractive low molar mass polycarbonate polyols obtained through CO2 and epoxide ring-opening copolymerization using borinane-based bifunctional organocatalysts and chain transfer agents. These catalysts exhibit high selectivity and productivity for both poly(cyclohexane carbonate) polyols and poly(ether propylene carbonate) polyols. The molar mass of the resulting polycarbonates can be precisely controlled, showing great potential for large-scale preparation of CO2-based polyols.
Review
Polymer Science
Chengjian Zhang, Xiaowei Geng, Xinghong Zhang, Yves Gnanou, Xiaoshuang Feng
Summary: Sensitivity to environmental concerns and the demand for metal-free polymeric materials have driven research towards breakthroughs in organocatalytic polymerizations. Triethyl borane (TEB) has been discovered as an exceptional Lewis acid, serving to generate ate complexes and activate epoxides. Lewis pairs consisting of alkyl boranes combined with onium salts or organic bases have demonstrated unprecedented versatility for (co)polymerizations of oxygenated monomers, producing various oxygenated polymers. This review summarizes the progress made in TEB-mediated polymerization systems and proposes future challenges in organocatalytic synthesis.
PROGRESS IN POLYMER SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Mingchen Jia, Jingjing Liu, Yves Gnanou, Xiaoshuang Feng
Summary: In this study, a series of ABA triblock copolymers were successfully synthesized using a one-pot method. The copolymers consisted of a poly(propylene carbonate-co-propylene oxide) middle block and two poly(N-tosyl propylene urethane) outer blocks. The synthesis was conducted using a difunctional initiator and triethyl borane (TEB). The copolymers exhibited well-defined structures as confirmed by 1H NMR and SEC. The thermal and mechanical properties of the copolymers were characterized using TGA, DSC, and UTM, showing higher toughness compared to commercial polyolefins.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Tonghe Zhang, Bailiang Xue, Quan Yan, Yue Yuan, Jiaojun Tan, Ying Guan, Jialong Wen, Xinping Li, Wei Zhao
Summary: The development of non-isocyanate polyurethanes (NIPUs) has been driven by the increasing demand for less toxic and non-dangerous chemicals for material preparation. Lignin, a natural and sustainable polymer, has been used to replace petroleum-derived chemicals in the synthesis of NIPUs. This study successfully synthesized lignin/NIPU hybrid polymers (LNIPUs), which exhibited excellent mechanical and thermal performance, as well as smart properties such as shape memory, self-healing, and reprocessability. The LNIPUs also showed outstanding adhesive properties, with a maximum adhesive strength of 24.5 MPa when bonding aluminum plates.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Chao Chen, Yves Gnanou, Xiaoshuang Feng
Summary: This research describes the design and synthesis of organoboron catalysts for the alternating ring-opening copolymerization (ROCOP) of CO2 with cyclic ethers. The performance of these catalysts was assessed by considering various parameters, such as the type of boron center, the distance between the boron center and the ammonium cation, and the size of the substituents of the cation. Among all the boron-based catalysts, borinane-based catalyst 5 showed the highest productivity in the copolymerization of CO2 and epoxides. Additionally, catalyst 5 could be easily recycled and used as a difunctional initiator. Density Functional Theory computation provided insights into the mechanism of the bifunctional catalyst-mediated CO2 copolymerization and highlighted the importance of the type of boron centers in the overall performance.
Article
Polymer Science
Chao Chen, Yves Gnanou, Xiaoshuang Feng
Summary: This work presents an efficient method for utilizing carbon disulfide (CS2) as a sulfur-containing C1 resource to synthesize linear poly(trithiocarbonate)s and cyclic trithiocarbonates. The copolymerization of CS2 with episulfides, initiated by PPNCl or phosphazene benzoxide, leads to alternating poly(trithiocarbonate)s without any catalyst. In contrast, when initiated by tetrabutylammonium halide, the same reaction produces cyclic trithiocarbonates. The role of initiating onium salts in the linear/cyclic selectivity, as well as the impact of reaction conditions, such as temperature, solvent, and feeding ratio, were investigated. Additionally, poly(trithiocarbonate)s can be completely unzipped into cyclic trithiocarbonates when exposed to a radical source or UV irradiation. The potential of utilizing this feature to create degradable polymers using oligotrithiocarbonates as self-immolating linkers between dithiol alkyl precursors was explored.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Zihao Feng, Wei Zhao, Zhengxin Yang, Yi Deng, Tong Yang, Yonghao Ni
Summary: A novel type of moist-electric generator (MEGs) based on polyhydroxyurethane (PHU) vitrimer is reported, which can provide high and sustained voltage outputs under high temperature and high moisture conditions. It opens up new possibilities for various applications.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Dan He, Yawen Li, Fuwen Zhao, Yuze Lin
Summary: High trap density in organic solar cells leads to localized charge carriers and reduced carrier lifetime, limiting device efficiency. This feature article summarizes the recent advances of trap suppression by material design and device engineering.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Olivier Monfort, Arshitha Madhusudhan, Martin Motola
Summary: This article presents the advantages of coupling photocatalysis and Fenton-based processes for environmental remediation and discusses their synergy. It critically examines the simultaneous triggering of these two processes and provides insights into research approaches. The study aims to enhance understanding of this complex process and highlight the potential integration of new catalysts in current wastewater treatment technology.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Manideepa Dhar, Chittaranjan Mishra, Avijit Das, Uttam Manna
Summary: An approach of 'polymerization of monomers in its aggregated form' has been introduced to tailor the water wettability of fibrous and porous substrates, achieving hydrophobicity to superhydrophobicity transition, as well as patterned wettability. This facile chemical method provides a durable coating with adjustable and patterned wettability for various potential applications.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Saswat Ranjan Bhoi, Chhanda Debnath, Shikha Gandhi
Summary: In this article, a novel catalytic reaction using Pd(0) and Bronsted acid is reported for the synthesis of biologically important imidazolidinone-fused N-heterocycles through redox-neutral intramolecular N-allylation of indoles and pyrroles with alkynes. This atom-economical method is applicable to a wide range of substrates and eliminates the need for leaving groups or oxidizing agents commonly used in traditional allylation reactions.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Longkun Chen, Mingshuai Zhang, Meichen Liu, Zhuoyuan Liu, Yuetong Qiu, Zhilai Zhang, Fuchao Yu, Jiuzhong Huang
Summary: In this study, an efficient Rh(III)-catalyzed selective mono- and dual-C-H bond functionalization/cyclization with iodonium ylide as the sole coupling partner was demonstrated. Fused benzodiazepine skeletons were obtained in excellent yields, providing an improved approach to dual C-H unsymmetrical functionalization.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Alice Kennett, Sven Epple, Gabriella van der Valk, Irene Georgiou, Evelyne Gout, Romain R. Vives, Angela J. Russell
Summary: This study presents the design and synthesis of sulfated disaccharide inhibitors based on IdoA(2S)-GlcNS(6S), which showed potent inhibition of Sulf-2. The results suggest that IdoA(2S)-GlcNS(6S) is the shortest fragment size required for effective inhibition of Sulfs, and a trisulfated disaccharide is identified as the minimal fragment size of heparan sulfate for effective endosulfatase inhibition.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mauro Garbini, Andrea Brunetti, Riccardo Pedrazzani, Magda Monari, Massimo Marcaccio, Giulio Bertuzzi, Marco Bandini
Summary: The self-adaptability of galvanostatic electrolysis was found to be helpful in a multistage chemo- and diastereoselective electrochemically promoted cyclodimerization of chalcones. Through a series of reductive events, densely functionalized cyclopentanes with five contiguous stereocenters were obtained (25 examples, yields up to 95%, dr values up to >20:1). Further experimental and electrochemical investigations indicated the crucial role of dynamic kinetic resolution of the aldol intermediate in the reaction mechanism.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Dhananjay S. Nipate, Neha Meena, Prakash N. Swami, Krishnan Rangan, Anil Kumar
Summary: In this study, the synthesis of functionalized benzo[a]phenazines and indazolo[2,3-a]quinolines was achieved through Rh(III)-catalyzed oxidative annulation of 2-arylquinoxalines and 2-aryl-2H-indazoles with allyl alcohols. The method showed a wide substrate scope, excellent functional group tolerance, good to high yields of annulated products, and the capability for scaled-up synthesis. A tentative mechanism of the annulation reaction was proposed based on a preliminary mechanistic investigation.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ruonan Zhang, Abudukadi Tudi, Xia Yang, Xuping Wang, Zhihua Yang, Shujuan Han, Shilie Pan
Summary: A new lead tellurium borate material with a unique fundamental building block [B4O10] was synthesized and found to exhibit high birefringence. The structure-property relationship was discussed using first-principles calculations.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Amresh Kumar Singh, Baishali Thakurta, Anupam Giri, Monalisa Pal
Summary: This study introduces three key concepts for the quick synthesis of large-scale high-quality 2D materials films and their utilization in device fabrication.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Reina Hagiwara, Shun Nishimura, Kosuke Okeyoshi
Summary: A copolymer-conjugated nanocatalytic system has been developed to improve electron transfer and enhance photoinduced H2 generation.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
