Article
Polymer Science
Joseline G. Torres-Martinez, Marissa Perez-Alvarez, Enrique J. Jimenez-Regalado, Claude St Thomas, Fernando Alonso-Martinez
Summary: In this study, a thermo-responsive hydrophobically associative water-soluble terpolymer was prepared and evaluated for polymer flooding of heavy crude oil from a carbonated reservoir in southern Mexico. The terpolymer was synthesized and characterized, and its steady shear viscosity was determined at different concentrations and temperatures. The results showed that the terpolymer exhibited good reduction in surface tension and adsorption capacity for the crude oil, and the polymer solutions had a certain recovery rate for the crude oil.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2022)
Review
Polymer Science
Siyang Wang, Qianhui Liu, Lei Li, Marek W. Urban
Summary: Responsive polymers, known for their adaptability and capability of transport control of molecules, play a significant role in advancing scientific discoveries. Recent developments in commodity polymers with stimuli-responsiveness to various factors have diverse applications, ranging from drug delivery to color-changing coatings. Current technological advances and future opportunities and applications in stimuli-responsive chemistries are also discussed in this review.
MACROMOLECULAR RAPID COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Applied
Herbert Musarurwa, Nikita Tawanda Tavengwa
Summary: Stimuli-responsive polymers, with easily adjustable physicochemical properties, have attracted the attention of researchers due to their potential for recovering from bulk samples after separation processes. pH-responsive, thermo-responsive, and light-responsive polymers have been applied in adsorption studies, aqueous two-phase systems, and membrane systems. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the applications of various types of stimuli-responsive polymers, along with summarizing their advantages and limitations. Furthermore, it explores the challenges and future prospects of stimuli-responsive polymers in detail.
REACTIVE & FUNCTIONAL POLYMERS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xinglong Pan, Nadia Grossiord, Jeroen A. H. P. Sol, Michael G. Debije, Albert P. H. J. Schenning
Summary: This study introduces an easy-to-process, anisotropic composite soft actuator based on a simple photothermal dye-doped polyethylene film, capable of large and controllable bending in response to light and various functions such as picking up cargo, diving, and surfing.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2021)
Review
Automation & Control Systems
Yusen Zhao, Mutian Hua, Yichen Yan, Shuwang Wu, Yousif Alsaid, Ximin He
Summary: This article reviews recent progress in the use of stimuli-responsive polymers for soft robotics. Different types of representative stimuli-responsive polymers are introduced, and their actuation mechanisms and performance evaluation are discussed. Examples of soft robotic applications based on stimuli-responsive polymers are presented. Current opportunities and challenges of stimuli-responsive soft robots for future study are discussed.
ANNUAL REVIEW OF CONTROL ROBOTICS AND AUTONOMOUS SYSTEMS
(2022)
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Huan Wang, Hui Zhang, Zhuoyue Chen, Yuanjin Zhao, Zhuxiao Gu, Luoran Shang
Summary: Polymer-based responsive structural color materials are polymers with ordered microstructures that can change colors, providing unique advantages and novel solutions for various industries. This study offers a comprehensive review of these materials, covering polymer selection, structure fabrication, response mechanisms, and applications, while also discussing the current challenges and future developments. It is expected that this review will promote interdisciplinary communications and collaborations across multiple fields.
PROGRESS IN MATERIALS SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Chaza Al Akoumy, Amelie Auge, Dongling Ma, Yue Zhao
Summary: Yolk-shell nanoparticles consisting of a gold nanoparticle core, a CO2-responsive crosslinked poly(N,N-diethylaminoethyl methacrylate) shell, and a void in between were synthesized and used as a catalyst for the gas-controllable reduction of 4-nitrophenol and nitrobenzene. The rate of the catalytic reaction can be regulated by controlling the diffusion of reactant molecules through the polymer shell by switching the hydrophilic and hydrophobic states of the shell. The gas-controlled dispersion and agglomeration of the nanoparticles were also explored for in situ recovery and reuse of the catalyst.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2022)
Review
Polymer Science
Hui Wen Yong, Ashok Kakkar
Summary: Polymeric nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery based on gas-responsive polymers show promise in enhancing therapeutic efficacy. Recent research focuses on addressing challenges and limitations in clinical applications.
POLYMER INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Lingyun Wang, Junyu Yang, Sidie He, Hang Gong, Chunyan Chen, Changqun Cai
Summary: A gas-responsive molecular imprinting resonance light scattering sensor was developed for rapid detection of hepatitis B virus, with high specificity and sensitivity. The sensor demonstrated excellent stability, reproducibility, and recyclability, offering a new green method for simple and rapid screening of viral infection and control of virus epidemic.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Stefan Paschke, Richard Prediger, Valentine Lavaux, Alice Eickenscheidt, Karen Lienkamp
Summary: This article introduces a surface-attached hydrophobically modified poly(carboxybetaine) which can switch between protein-repellent and antimicrobially active states depending on the pH of the surrounding medium. The adhesion of protein is pH-dependent and reversible, with the polymer becoming antimicrobially active at physiological pH. The material is storage-stable but undergoes hydrolysis after longer incubation in aqueous media.
MACROMOLECULAR RAPID COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Review
Polymer Science
Qianhui Liu, Marek W. Urban
Summary: This review discusses the recent developments and future trends in stimulus-responsive polymeric coatings, emphasizing their autonomous responses to external stimuli and highlighting their attractiveness as integral components of future engineered systems.
Article
Polymer Science
Qianyu Yang, Chen Gao, Xuemei Zhang, Xingyu Zhao, Yiqing Fu, Chihui Tsou, Chunyan Zeng, Li Yuan, Zejun Pu, Yiqing Xia, Yuping Sheng, Yu Fang
Summary: The study introduces a dual-responsive shape memory hydrogel with swelling and self-healing properties, where the hydrogels can be fixed in a provisional shape and restored under external stimulation. The dual physically cross-linked (DPC) network structure provides the hydrogels with excellent fracture stress and toughness, as well as outstanding self-healing capability. The pH and saline responsive swelling properties add to the fantastic attributes of the shape memory hydrogels.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Xi Chen, Zhangyan Chen, Li Ma
Summary: A general approach is proposed to synthesize large-scale multi-stimuli-responsive bottlebrush-colloid Janus nanoparticles (JNPs) by tuning the composition of a single-chain nanoparticle (SCNP). The starting SCNP is achieved by electrostatic-mediated intramolecular crosslinking and synchronous incorporation of metallic species. The inorganic/organic compositions of the crosslinked colloid can be broadly tuned by using different metallic precursors and free radical initiators. Additionally, various polymer brushes can be grafted onto the PVBC tail through atom-transfer radical polymerization (ATRP).
Article
Mechanics
Matthew D. Butler, Thomas D. Montenegro-Johnson
Summary: Thermo-responsive hydrogels exhibit significant expansion and contraction in response to temperature changes, making them promising materials for controllable actuators in micro-scale devices. By studying these systems using a poro-elastic model, we can better understand the dynamic properties and different swelling and shrinking behaviors of thermo-responsive hydrogels.
JOURNAL OF FLUID MECHANICS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Daniel A. Estabrook, John O. Chapman, Shuo-Ting Yen, Helen H. Lin, Ethan T. Ng, Linglan Zhu, Heidi L. van de Wouw, Otger Campas, Ellen M. Sletten
Summary: This study introduces a new endogenous stimulus, biomacromolecule crowding, by leveraging changes in thermoresponsive properties of polymers upon high concentrations of crowding agents. Thermoresponsive materials are shown to respond to macromolecule concentration at physiological temperatures, opening up new possibilities for application.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Zhiming Ha, Lei Lei, Mengyu Zhou, Yuzheng Xia, Xiaonong Chen, Peng Mao, Bifa Fan, Shuxian Shi
Summary: The development of green and environment-friendly preparation methods for transparent antismudge coatings is crucial. In this study, a bio-based waterborne polyurethane coating grafted with poly(dimethylsiloxane) was prepared using renewable castor oil and other raw materials. The coating exhibited excellent antismudge properties.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Anton B. Kornberg, Michael R. Thompson, Shiping Zhu
Summary: An approach using controlled crazing and post-polymerization was used to incorporate a nanoscaled conductive co-continuous network into commercial ENGAGE(TM) Polyolefin Elastomers (POEs). This approach involved stretching POE films in a reactive mixture of acrylic polymerization precursors to promote crazing and grow a rigid acrylic hydrogel phase. The hydrogel phase provided ion conductivity to the POE.
CANADIAN JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Editorial Material
Engineering, Chemical
Andrew Nick Hrymak, Robert Pelton, Shiping Zhu
CANADIAN JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yichen Wan, Wenlian Qiu, He Zhu, Qi Zhang, Shiping Zhu
Summary: Adhesive materials are extensively used in various industries, and the design principles for high-performance adhesives involve regulating adhesion and cohesion strengths. Compared to permanent covalent bonds, dynamic bonds, such as dynamic covalent and noncovalent bonds, are vulnerable to mechanical stimuli but rebuildable, making them promising for manipulating internal and interfacial energy. This review mainly focuses on discussing the application of dynamic bonds in adhesive materials to regulate adhesion and cohesion, and provides a perspective on future research directions for engineered construction of advanced adhesive materials.
CANADIAN JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Chemical
Kaka Zhang, Shuaishuai Huang, Qi Zhang, He Zhu, Shiping Zhu
Summary: POSS-based coatings have gained significant attention for their unique structure and desirable properties. The integration of the inorganic POSS cage with organic functional groups allows for different approaches to blend them with polymers. The resulting coatings exhibit excellent mechanical, anti-wetting, anti-corrosive, icephobic, and fire-retardant properties. This review focuses on the latest developments in POSS-based functional coatings and discusses their challenges and future research directions.
CANADIAN JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jierui Wang, Jialin Yang, He Zhu, Bo-Geng Li, Shiping Zhu
Summary: The construction of MOF monoliths can overcome the limitations of MOF powders, such as pressure drop, mass transfer inefficiency, and operational complexities. However, challenges still exist in terms of pore clogging, pore structure tuning, and mechanical properties. In this study, nearly pure ZIF-8 monoliths with hierarchical pore structure were successfully prepared by converting amorphous ZIF-8/ZnO nanoparticles into continuous ZIF-8 skeleton. These monoliths exhibited low bulk densities, high BET surface areas, and good mechanical properties. They also demonstrated high catalytic activity and stability in a continuous flow reactor for the Knoevenagel reaction. This work presents a valuable approach for the application of MOF-based monoliths in adsorption, separation, catalysis, and effluent treatment.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Guoqing Chen, Xiwei Guo, Chang Yang, He Zhu, Qi Zhang, Shiping Zhu
Summary: This paper reports the preparation of a novel type of underwater adhesive through in situ coacervation using commercially available materials. The adhesive exhibits superstrong underwater adhesion and excellent water-resistant performance, making it suitable for versatile applications in different environments.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Kangkang Chang, Yutian Yan, Dong Zhang, Yuzheng Xia, Xiaonong Chen, Lei Lei, Shuxian Shi
Summary: This study involves the preparation of hybrid microgels with excellent temperature-sensitive colorimetric and catalytic properties by combining the surface plasmon resonance properties of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) with the temperature-sensitive properties of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM)-based microgels.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xiaoqing Ming, Yifeng Sheng, Le Yao, Xiangrui Li, Yangyu Huang, He Zhu, Qi Zhang, Shiping Zhu
Summary: In this study, an anti-swelling conductive hydrogel was developed based on a polyampholyte copolymer. The hydrogel exhibited high transparency, remarkable mechanical properties, and good ionic conductivity. It was capable of sensing accurate and stable electro-mechanic responses, making it suitable for strain sensors in monitoring human motions both in air and underwater. Furthermore, the unique material allowed for dynamic information storage.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yang Xiang, Xiwei Guo, He Zhu, Qi Zhang, Shiping Zhu
Summary: Previous research has mainly focused on improving the Seebeck coefficient and electrical conductivity while neglecting thermal conductivity. In this study, an aqueous biphasic system is introduced as a solvent to fabricate electrolytes for liquid-state thermocells. The aqueous biphasic electrolytes can provide different solvation environments and suppress thermal convection, leading to an increase in the Seebeck coefficient and a decrease in thermal conductivity. Experimental results show that using the aqueous biphasic electrolyte leads to a doubling of the Seebeck coefficient and an over 5 times improvement in output power for the thermocell. Furthermore, using porous graphite felt as the electrode material can further improve the output power by over 7 times.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence
Qinyao Chang, Shiping Zhu
Summary: Inspired by human vision attention mechanism, this study proposes a saliency detection model, TSFP-Net, which utilizes multilevel features and time information to improve accuracy. The model extracts multiscale temporal-spatial features from input video frames and generates a saliency map through hierarchical decoding. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method outperforms state-of-the-art methods on video saliency benchmarks.
COGNITIVE COMPUTATION
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Xiangyang Liu, Qi Zhang, He Zhu, Shiping Zhu
Summary: The increase in CO2 concentration in the atmosphere has led to global warming, and adsorption is considered an effective method for CO2 capture and stabilization. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are promising materials for carbon capture, but using MOF powders directly may lead to practical issues. A phase inversion strategy is reported here to prepare SIFSIX-3-Ni@PAN composite beads with hierarchically porous structure and good mechanical stability. The obtained materials have high CO2 capture capacity even at low CO2 concentrations.
MACROMOLECULAR MATERIALS AND ENGINEERING
(2023)
Editorial Material
Polymer Science
Tian-Tian Wang, Yin-Ning Zhou, Zheng-Hong Luo, Shiping Zhu
Summary: This article introduces the importance of dispersity in the field of polymerization and traces the development of explicit equations for calculating dispersity. It highlights the application and mathematical manipulations of these equations in reversible-deactivation radical polymerization. Additionally, it showcases their role in emerging applications.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yuanfeng Wang, Zilin Yu, Jinhao Xie, Lei Ding, Jiechang Liang, Wenqing He, Shiguo Chen, Shiping Zhu
Summary: By imitating the muscle-cartilage structure of Skate fin and using a twill cotton fabric as the supporting cartilage, the mechanical strength and environmental tolerance of SRP actuators are improved. With the unique twill pattern and micro-nano substructure of the fabric layer, the prepared SRP actuator exhibits anisotropic actuation and fast wet recovery, enhancing its versatility.
ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Wenlian Qiu, Yi Huang, He Zhu, Qi Zhang, Shiping Zhu
Summary: We report a biomimetic dry underwater adhesive that is free of catechol chemistry and can adhere well to various substrate surfaces underwater. The adhesive is prepared by ternary copolymerization of monomers with nonphenolic aromatic groups, cations, and polar side chains, and exhibits hydrophobicity, mechanical toughness, and good interfacial bonding in water.
