Article
Polymer Science
Inna O. Lebedeva, Ekaterina B. Zhulina, Oleg V. Borisov
Summary: Research indicates that block copolymers with chemically different bottlebrush blocks can self-assemble into nanostructures resembling micelles in selective solvents. The self-consistent field theoretical approach is utilized to predict the relationship between structural parameters of bottlebrush blocks and properties of micelles, including critical micelle concentration. Theoretical predictions suggest that replacing linear blocks with bottlebrush ones of the same polymerization degrees leads to changes in micellar core size and corona extension, as well as an increase in critical micelle concentration, which are in agreement with computer simulation results.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Qilin Guo, Yulian Li, Qiujun Liu, Yuesheng Li, Dong-Po Song
Summary: An effective co-assembly strategy has been demonstrated for creating complex photonic structures with interesting light reflections. By placing different bottlebrush block copolymers within shrinking droplets, a cooperative mechanism of microphase segregation and organized spontaneous emulsification is enabled, resulting in the fabrication of Janus microspheres with diverse dual optical characteristics. The reflected wavelengths of light are highly tunable simply by changing the formulation or molecular weight of the block copolymers.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2022)
Review
Polymer Science
Lin-Lin Xiao, Xu Zhou, Kan Yue, Zi-Hao Guo
Summary: Conjugated block copolymers (cBCPs) are promising materials with high conductivity and morphological versatility, making the study of their self-assembly behaviors crucial for enhancing device performance.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ofer Burg, Rajashekharayya A. Sanguramath, Elisheva Michman, Noga Eren, Inna Popov, Roy Shenhar
Summary: Alternating metallic nanostructures have hybrid properties, useful for photonics and catalysis. Block copolymer films serve as versatile templates for creating periodic nanowire arrays. By controlling the penetration depth of metal precursors, different layers of copolymer cylinders can be impregnated with different metals. This leads to the formation of nanowires with alternating compositions and periodic arrangement on substrates after plasma etching.
Editorial Material
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Kevin G. Yager
Summary: The self-assembly of a triblock bottlebrush polymer at one length scale determines the organization of the self-assembly at a smaller scale, creating a hierarchical unit cell.
NATURE NANOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Polymer Science
Ketan Kuperkar, Dhruvi Patel, Leonard Ionut Atanase, Pratap Bahadur
Summary: This article mainly introduces the self-assembly of amphiphilic block copolymers in aqueous media forming various core-shell structures, and discusses different types of polymer micelles. The latest updates on polymerization-induced self-assembly and crystallization-driven self-assembly, as well as discussions on polyion complexes and polyion complex micelles, are also mentioned.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yuwei Liu, Xiaona Cui, Xuefeng Wang, Nan Jiang, Hong-Guo Liu
Summary: Large area nanodot arrays of polystyrene-block-poly(2-vinylpyridine) (PS-b-P2VP) with inorganic species can be fabricated at the planar liquid/liquid interface by adding the aqueous solution of the inorganic species dropwise into the water phase. The nanodots arrange into a quasihexagonal pattern due to the interaction between the pyridine groups in the P2VP blocks and the inorganic species, resulting in enhanced hydrophilicity and aggregation of the P2VP blocks. This novel method enables the fabrication of ordered nanostructures over a large area.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES A-PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND ENGINEERING ASPECTS
(2022)
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Zhen Wang, Chun Lam Clement Chan, Tianheng H. Zhao, Richard M. Parker, Silvia Vignolini
Summary: The review discusses the self-assembly of BCPs as photonic pigments, focusing on the role of confinement in forming well-ordered lamellae and contrasting with disordered structures from densely packed micelles. The structural characteristics and optical performance of 1D photonic crystals and photonic glasses are critically compared, along with the current challenges and potential for future developments in this field.
ADVANCED OPTICAL MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jared I. Bowman, Cabell B. Eades, Maria A. Vratsanos, Nathan C. Gianneschi, Brent S. Sumerlin
Summary: Polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA) is a powerful technique for producing block copolymer nanostructures, and ultrafast photoiniferter PISA can be used to quickly create various nanostructures.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jianan Yuan, Xuemin Lu, Qingxiang Li, Zhiguo Lu, Qinghua Lu
Summary: This study fabricated micrometer-scale spiral structures with reversible chirality based on the assembly of a liquid crystalline block copolymer film assisted by enantiopure tartaric acid. The chiral spiral structures with controllable handedness were easily erased under ultraviolet light irradiation and restored via thermal annealing. This research provides guidance for fabrication of chiral micrometer-scale spiral structures with adjustable chiral properties.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Marieta Nichifor, Magdalena Cristina Stanciu, Florica Doroftei
Summary: The self-assembly potential of new amphiphilic block copolymers containing dextran and a semi-rigid deoxycholic acid-oligoethyleneglycol polyester was evaluated in terms of copolymer composition and self-assembly procedure. Different morphologies and sizes of aggregates were obtained by varying the polymer composition, with longer oligoethyleneglycol leading to smaller micelles and vesicles due to enhanced flexibility of the polyester hydrophobic block. Adjusting parameters allows for obtaining desired aggregate characteristics.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jang Hwan Kim, Hyeon U. Jeong, Hye-In Yeom, Kyu Hyo Han, Geon Gug Yang, Hee Jae Choi, Jong Min Kim, Sang-Hee Ko Park, Hyeong Min Jin, Jaeup U. U. Kim, Sang Ouk Kim
Summary: Nanoscale block copolymer (BCP) self-assembly is used to finely align sub-10-nm-scale nanopatterns along the atomic edge of 2D flakes. The alignment mechanism is explained based on the wetting layer alternation of the BCP film in the presence of intermediate 2D flakes. The highly aligned nanocylinder templates with low roughness levels result in a sub-10-nm-wide graphene nanoribbon (GNR) array with significant switching characteristics.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ruimeng Zhang, Zhe Qiang, Muzhou Wang
Summary: This study demonstrates a model system that integrates materials synthesis and self-assembly to achieve controlled periodicity and photonic properties in block copolymer thin films. By using a photo-initiator and UV light exposure, the technique successfully modifies the periodicity in BCP films and allows for in situ modulation of stop band position in photonic gel films for practical applications. This approach provides spatially defined control over structural periodicity and macroscopic properties in self-assembled materials.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Guoxing Liao, Lei Chen, Yunjie Zhang, Oleksandr O. Mykhaylyk, Paul D. Topham, Daniel T. W. Toolan, Matthew J. Derry, Jonathan R. Howse, Qianqian Yu, Guiju Feng, Linge Wang
Summary: Block copolymer-based nanoproducts have great potential in high-end applications, but there is a lack of detailed studies on the nanofabrication process and the monitoring of concomitant self-assembled structural transitions. This study utilizes time-resolved small-angle X-ray scattering to track the nanostructural changes. The results provide guidelines for accessing various nanostructures from self-assembling block copolymers.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Dong Hyup Kim, Ahram Suh, Geonhyeong Park, Dong Ki Yoon, So Youn Kim
Summary: Nanoscratch-directed self-assembly (DSA) is introduced as a simple and scalable strategy to achieve highly aligned block copolymer (BCP) nanopatterns over a large area, allowing versatile nanofabrication for various functional nanomaterials.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Abdunaser M. Ewlad-Ahmed, Michael Morris, Justin Holmes, David J. Belton, Siddharth V. Patwardhan, Lorraine T. Gibson
Summary: The study demonstrates that green nanosilicas show high efficiency in removing volatile organic compounds and can be customized in terms of physical properties and adsorption capacity. Their high efficiency is attributed to the broad pore size distribution, particularly the presence of meso- and micro-porosity.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Adria Garcia-Gil, Subhajit Biswas, Ahin Roy, Dzianis Saladukh, Sreyan Raha, Thomas Blon, Michele Conroy, Valeria Nicolosi, Achintya Singha, Lise-Marie Lacroix, Justin D. Holmes
Summary: In this study, we successfully fabricated a metastable allotrope of tetragonal germanium (ST12-Ge) in the form of nanowires. The nanowires were synthesized using a solvothermal-like single-pot method and a self-seeded vapour-liquid-solid mechanism. The ST12-Ge nanowires showed unique physical properties and had a significant impact on light emission intensity and bandgap directness.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Fionan Davitt, Kamil Rahme, Sreyan Raha, Shane Garvey, Manuel Roldan-Gutierrez, Achintya Singha, Shery L. Y. Chang, Subhajit Biswas, Justin D. Holmes
Summary: In this study, highly crystalline layered SnSe nanoribbons were grown using a simple solution-phase approach. The use of PVP as a templating agent allowed for selective passivation of certain facets, resulting in unique growth of nanoribbons along their b-axis with a defined zigzag edge state. The SnSe nanoribbons exhibited few layers, wide widths, and achievable lengths, with the ability to produce them in high quantities in a single batch experiment. The use of non-toxic PVP as a replacement for toxic amines in other forms of SnSe is an important advantage for sustainable and environmentally friendly applications. The heat transport properties of the SnSe nanoribbons, determined through power-dependent Raman spectroscopy, demonstrate their potential as thermoelectric materials.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Adria Garcia, Subhajit Biswas, David McNulty, Ahin Roy, Sreyan Raha, Sigita Trabesinger, Valeria Nicolosi, Achintya Singha, Justin D. Holmes
Summary: Developing a simple, cheap, and scalable method for the fabrication of functional nanomaterials is crucial. In this study, a very simple one-pot solvothennal-like growth method for carbonaceous germanium (C-Ge) nanowires in a supercritical solvent is reported. These self-seeded nanowires have highly crystalline and thin structures. As an anode material for Li-ion batteries, the carbonaceous Ge nanowires demonstrate impressive electrochemical performance with high specific charge values and stable capacity retention.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Electrochemistry
Sally O'Hanlon, Colm O'Dwyer
Summary: Conductive additive-impregnated polylactic acid can be coated with vanadium oxide (V2O5) by electrodeposition with improved conductivity through thermal pre-treatment. Various analysis methods were used to study the surface coating and electrode, and the relationship between electrodeposition parameters and deposit quality was explored.
JOURNAL OF THE ELECTROCHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Adria Garcia-Gil, Subhajit Biswas, David McNulty, Ahin Roy, Kevin M. Ryan, Valeria Nicolosi, Justin D. Holmes
Summary: This study reports the fabrication of high aspect ratio super-thin Ge1-xSnx nanowires using a solvothermal-like growth method. The dimensions of the nanowires and the amount of Sn in the Ge lattice were found to be critical to achieving high electrochemical performance as an anode material for Li-ion batteries.
ADVANCED MATERIALS INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Karzan H. Zangana, Antonio Fernandez, Justin D. Holmes
Summary: This paper reports a simple and efficient chemical recycling method for PET, using the environmentally friendly and cheap catalyst CaO and microwave irradiation. This method can achieve high yield of highly crystalline BHET in a very short time, and can realize the recycling and reuse of materials, showing great potential applications.
MATERIALS TODAY COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Eadaoin Casey, Justin D. Holmes, Gillian Collins
Summary: This study reports a one-pot synthesis of surfactant templated PdAu nanosheets and investigates their catalytic performance in light-enhanced Suzuki cross coupling reactions. The PdAu bimetallic nanosheets demonstrate higher catalytic activity compared to monometallic Pd nanosheets and commercial Pd/C at room temperature.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2022)
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Alex Lonergan, Colm O'Dwyer
Summary: The ability to selectively redirect specific wavelengths of light has attracted a lot attention for photonic crystal materials. A wealth of research exists on the fabrication and application of these materials. The optical responses, namely the photonic bandgap or stopband, are of particular interest. The tunable optical response in photonic crystals plays a significant role in their applications.
ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES
(2023)
Article
Electrochemistry
Umair Gulzar, Alex Lonergan, Vladimir Egorov, Yan Zhang, Alex Grant, Aoife Carroll, Colm O'Dwyer
Summary: Despite limited commercial success, lithium sulfur technology still lags behind existing Li-ion technology due to the complexity of lithium-sulfur chemistry and sulfur dissolution in the electrolyte solution. A comprehensive understanding of sulfur species and their kinetics is crucial for high-performance lithium-sulfur batteries. We proposed a new technique called Ampero-Coulometry, which mathematically transforms chronoamperometric charge-discharge curves to reveal the cation diffusional rate in carbon-sulfur porous electrodes at different states of charge/capacity. This technique allows tracking of Li+ ion diffusional rate and correlates with the mechanism of polysulfide dissolution and the kinetics of a sulfur electrode.
JOURNAL OF THE ELECTROCHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Electrochemistry
Yan Zhang, Alex Grant, Aoife Carroll, Umair Gulzar, Matthew Ferguson, Ahin Roy, Valeria Nicolosi, Colm O'Dwyer
Summary: Water-soluble binders have been found to enhance the performance of NASICON-type NaTi2(PO4)(3) Na-ion battery anodes, providing better capacity, cycle life stability, and rate response compared to traditional polyvinylidene difluoride-containing slurries. The role of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) binders in improving the physical structure and chemical interfacial reactions has been revealed through electron microscopy and spectroscopy data. The use of CMC and a styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) additive in the binder resulted in significantly improved electrochemical response and higher durability, making it crucial for sustainable development of Na-ion technologies.
JOURNAL OF THE ELECTROCHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Review
Physics, Applied
Alex Grant, Colm O'Dwyer
Summary: Predicting new sustainable materials, electrolytes, and complete cells is crucial for the development of Li-ion batteries and emerging alternative batteries. Understanding the interface, microstructure, and nature of electrolytes is key to new battery chemistries and materials. Recent progress in nondestructive methods, such as optical spectroscopies and atom probe tomography, has shown promise in unraveling the internal behavior of battery cells in real-time.
APPLIED PHYSICS REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Alex Grant, Alex Lonergan, Colm O'Dwyer
Summary: Opals are used to investigate the effect of crystal thickness on the optical properties. The evaporation-induced self-assembly method is used to form opal photonic crystals with different volume fractions of polystyrene spheres. Microscopical structural characterization and angle-resolved transmission spectroscopy are employed to examine the quality of the crystals. The study reveals a direct correlation between sphere solution volume fraction and crystal thickness, and identifies the criteria for achieving thickness control in fast evaporation-induced self-assembly.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Umair Gulzar, Vladimir Egorov, Yan Zhang, Colm O'Dwyer
Summary: Additive manufacturing can be used to create new form factor small cells for energy storage devices, such as batteries, that are incorporated into the device's design. These 3D-printed batteries use sustainable materials and can be fully recycled. They have higher energy density and better electrical conductivity compared to metallic cells, while avoiding brittleness common in composite-printed electrodes.
ADVANCED ENERGY AND SUSTAINABILITY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sreyan Raha, Subhajit Biswas, Jessica Doherty, Prasanna Kumar Mondal, Justin D. Holmes, Achintya Singha
Summary: Alloying group IV semiconductors is an effective method for engineering their electronic properties and lattice dynamics. By studying the Raman spectra of Ge1-xSnx alloy nanowires, we have discovered new modes associated with the optical phonon mode of Ge, which are assigned to the stretching of Ge-Ge bonds due to Sn-induced lattice relaxation and compression.
